Supreme Court Mandates Uniform Policy for Early Release of Elderly and Terminally Ill Prisoners
GS2
The Supreme Court has directed all States and Union Territories to establish a uniform, time-bound policy for the premature release of elderly and terminally ill inmates, integrating these efforts with Under Trial Review Committees.
In a significant move towards upholding the constitutional right to a life with dignity, the Supreme Court has issued a directive to all States and Union Territories to formulate a uniform policy for the premature release of elderly and terminally ill prisoners. The Court underscored that the incarceration of such individuals, who often pose no threat to society and require specialized medical care, necessitates a more humane and compassionate approach within the criminal justice system.
The judiciary observed that the current lack of a standardized mechanism leads to arbitrary delays, often resulting in prisoners spending their final days in confinement despite being eligible for remission. By mandating that these policies be integrated with the existing Under Trial Review Committees (UTRCs), the Court aims to institutionalize the process, ensuring that the review of such cases is periodic, transparent, and time-bound. This directive is expected to reduce the burden on prison infrastructure while addressing the ethical concerns surrounding the treatment of vulnerable inmates.
Continue reading — free with login
JeetoBharat publishes daily UPSC current affairs mapped to the Mains syllabus. Log in to read full articles.
Log in to read full articleNo credit card required. Free registered users get unlimited access.
This article was curated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical facts from official sources.