Supreme Court Issues Guidelines to Ensure Disability-Friendly Prisons for Tamil Nadu Prisoners

The Supreme Court has directed Tamil Nadu to introduce systemic reforms for prisoners with disabilities across all jails.

The bench ordered the state to ensure accessible infrastructure, including ramps, toilets, physiotherapy rooms, and updated prison manuals compliant with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The reforms must be implemented within six months. The Court clarified that while personalized diets are not mandatory, prisons must provide adequate, nutritious food and medical care.

Audits and staff sensitization were also mandated to uphold prisoners' dignity and equality.