Supreme Court Orders States to Create Early Release Policies for Elderly Prisoners

The Supreme Court on Thursday directed all states and Union Territories to establish policies for the early release of elderly and terminally ill prisoners within three months. The bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, emphasized that these policies must include clear eligibility criteria and a uniform definition of "terminal illness" to ensure consistency across jurisdictions.

E-Prisons Portal to Streamline Process

The court proposed leveraging the e-Prisons portal for processing premature release requests. This system is expected to generate automated alerts, track deadlines, and ensure transparency and accountability in decision-making. Additionally, it will produce compliance reports and facilitate oversight by state governments, State Legal Services Authorities, and other competent bodies.

To protect sensitive information, the court mandated safeguards for the confidentiality and privacy of prisoners' medical and personal data.

Centre to Provide Technical Support

The bench directed the Union government, through the Ministry of Law and Justice, Ministry of Home Affairs, and the National Informatics Centre (NIC), to assist states and UTs in implementing the policy. This includes providing technical support, digital infrastructure, software development, and training.

Origin of the Directive

The judgment came in response to a plea from the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), which sought the court's intervention to facilitate the release of elderly and terminally ill inmates. The court underscored the need for a structured procedural framework to address this humanitarian issue efficiently.

This directive highlights the judiciary's focus on ensuring a humane approach to incarceration, particularly for vulnerable segments of the prison population.

Source: Indian Express