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The Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Sukanya Shantha v. Union of India (2024) to end caste-based assignments in prison labour highlights India’s commitment to equality and social justice. By identifying caste-based classifications as violations of Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution, the decision sets a standard for humane treatment and underscores the importance of non-discriminatory practices in public institutions.

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Implications of the Supreme Court’s Decision on Social Justice in India

• Promoting Equality in Prison Practices: The ruling advances equality in prison work assignments by eliminating caste-based duties that unfairly targeted marginalised groups, fostering inclusivity.
  For example: Prem Shankar Shukla v. Delhi Administration (1980) similarly reinforced equality by deeming class-based treatment in prison settings unconstitutional.
• Upholding Constitutional Values: By abolishing caste-based labour, the Court reinforces constitutional values of non-discrimination and equal protection under the law.
  For example: Article 15 prohibits discrimination based on caste, a principle that this ruling further embeds within the prison system.
• Strengthening Social Justice in Public Institutions: The judgement promotes equitable treatment in public institutions, serving as a model for reducing caste bias in various societal sectors.
  For example: Madhukar Bhagwan Jambhale v. State of Maharashtra (1984), where discriminatory rules were struck down, upheld the right to equal treatment in institutional settings.
• Improving Rehabilitation and Skill Development: Removing caste-based assignments enables prisons to focus on skill-building, moving away from stereotype-based labour assignments and fostering true rehabilitation.
  For example: The Model Prison Manual 2016 encourages diverse work programs for inmates, promoting self-sufficiency over caste-linked roles.
• Empowering Marginalised Groups: This decision affirms the dignity of marginalised groups by protecting them from discriminatory duties, bolstering their sense of self-worth.
  For example: Inacio Manuel Miranda v. State (1988) upheld equal treatment in prisons, emphasising the importance of dignity and freedom from bias.

Persistent Challenges in Prisons Reflecting Broader Social Justice Issues

• Inadequate Living Conditions: Overcrowding and poor sanitation disproportionately affect marginalised groups in prisons, reflecting broader social inequalities.
  For example: NCRB data (2023) shows that Indian prison occupancy rates exceed 130%, often causing inhumane conditions for marginalised prisoners.
• Limited Access to Legal Aid: Marginalised inmates often lack adequate legal representation, hindering their access to justice and perpetuating social inequalities.
  For example: The Prison Statistics Report, 2022 of NCRB shows that the literacy profile of around 65.4% of the total prisoners in India was either below Class X or illiterate, limiting their awareness to free legal aid. 
• Privilege-Based Prison Classifications: Wealthier prisoners often receive better facilities, perpetuating class-based disparities and reflecting social biases in the prison system.
  For example: Gaur Narayan Chakraborty and Others (2012) highlighted class-based privilege in prison amenities, underscoring the need for equal treatment.
• Insufficient Educational Opportunities: Limited access to education and vocational training restricts marginalised inmates from improving their post-release prospects, reinforcing economic disparities.
  For example: The Model Prison Manual 2016 identifies a lack of vocational funding in rural prisons, limiting inmates’ employment opportunities upon release.
• Instances of Abuse and Harassment: Psychological and physical abuse against marginalised groups reflect the persistent need for reforms to safeguard vulnerable inmates.
  For example: The Ministry of Home Affairs reported 669 custodial deaths between 2017 and 2022.

Reforming the Prison System to Combat Caste Discrimination

• Standardising Work Assignments: Assigning work based on skills rather than caste promotes fairness, reducing caste-based discrimination.
  For example: The Model Prison Manual advocates diverse work programs, deterring caste-linked assignments and endorsing skill-based practices.
• Implementing Anti-Discrimination Training: Regular anti-discrimination training for prison staff raises awareness and encourages non-discriminatory practices.
  For example: Maharashtra has introduced sensitivity training to combat bias in prison management and interactions.
• Enforcing Accountability Mechanisms: Regular audits and external oversight reduce discriminatory practices by ensuring adherence to anti-bias policies.
  For example: The NHRC inspects prisons periodically, monitoring for discriminatory practices and promoting equitable treatment.
• Ensuring Equal Access to Rehabilitation Programs: Equal access to educational and rehabilitative programs removes caste-based restrictions, allowing all inmates to participate equally.

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Prison Reforms Addressing Prisoners’ Rights and Rehabilitation Concerns

• Expanding Access to Legal Aid: Free legal representation supports fair justice, upholding prisoners’ rights and aiding social reintegration.
  For example: Nearly 25,000 undertrial prisoners were released on bail, according to NALSA’s 2022 report, ensuring access to legal resources for marginalised groups.
• Enhancing Skill Development Programs: Vocational training prepares inmates for post-release employment, encouraging successful reintegration and reducing recidivism.
  For example: The PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana offers certifications in prison, aiding inmates in gaining employment skills.
• Providing Mental Health Support: Access to mental health services addresses inmates’ psychological needs, supporting overall well-being and rehabilitation.
  For example: The Prison Statistics Report by NCRB shows that out of the 159 unnatural deaths in Indian prisons in 2022, 74.8% (119) of such deaths have been caused pre-dominantly by suicide.
• Developing Community Reintegration Programs: Support services post-release, such as job placements and housing, ease prisoners’ transition back into society.
  For example: Maharashtra’s Jivhala program offers credit support to prisoners aids in building financial stability for reintegration.

The Supreme Court’s ruling against caste-based prison work classifications is a transformative step toward social justice in India. By addressing systemic biases and emphasising prisoners’ rights, the decision supports a fair and humane prison system. Further reforms are necessary to create an environment that upholds constitutional values and facilitates effective social reintegration for all prisoners.

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