Caste-Based Separation in Jail


Author: Vardha Verma, Student of Jindal Global University

In the case Manav Adhikar Sangathan v. State of Rajasthan, the Supreme Court of India handed out a landmark decision on October 2024 by overturning certain state jail manuals for the practice to assign prison labors and task distributions according to caste. This historic judgment dealt with deep-rooted discriminatory practices within India’s prison system and marked a significant step toward ensuring equality and dignity for all inmates, irrespective of caste. The judgment is a pivotal development in the ongoing struggle against caste-based discrimination and provides a lens to evaluate the intersection of law, caste, and human rights.

Caste-based discrimination has been a pervasive issue in Indian society for centuries. The prison system, as a microcosm of society, has not been immune to these prejudices. Many state prison manuals historically contained provisions that assigned specific tasks to inmates based on their caste. For example, prisoners from Dalit communities were often forced to engage in tasks deemed “menial,” such as cleaning toilets or disposing of waste, while prisoners from higher castes were assigned more “dignified” roles. These practices continued perpetuating stereotypes and reinforcing the social hierarchy, even within the confines of incarceration. The matter came to a head when PIL was filed questioning the constitutionality of these provisions under Articles 14 (right to equality), 15 (prohibition of discrimination), and 21 (right to life and personal dignity) of the Indian Constitution. The petitioners argued that such provisions violated fundamental rights and perpetuated caste-based discrimination, which is expressly prohibited by law.

The Supreme Court, in its judgment, has categorically declared the caste-based allocation of tasks in prisons unconstitutional. The Court ruled that such practices are discriminatory, violate human dignity, and reinforce harmful stereotypes that have no place in a modern democratic society. The Court noted that assigning tasks based on caste is a direct violation of Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Constitution, undermining the principles of equality and dignity enshrined in the Constitution. It observed that forcing prisoners from marginalized communities to perform menial tasks perpetuates caste-based stereotypes and hinders efforts toward social equality. Moreover, the judgment called for immediate reform in prison administration to ensure that tasks are allocated based on skill, interest, and merit, rather than caste. The Court directed state governments to revise their prison manuals and implement guidelines to promote equality among inmates.
The judgment is a significant step toward dismantling institutionalized caste-based discrimination in India. By striking down these provisions, the Court has sent a strong message against the normalization of caste hierarchies in state institutions. It reinforces the constitutional guarantee of dignity for every individual, including prisoners, recognizing that incarceration does not strip a person of their fundamental rights and that prisons must operate within the bounds of constitutional morality. Additionally, the judgment has broader implications for other state-run institutions, such as schools, workplaces, and public services, where caste-based discrimination persists. It sets a precedent for challenging similar practices in other domains. Beyond addressing caste-based discrimination, it also calls for a reevaluation of prison conditions, labor practices, and the overall treatment of inmates to align with constitutional values.

While the judgment is a significant milestone, its implementation poses several challenges. Deep-seated caste biases within prison administration and in society at large may prevent the effective implementation of the Court’s directives. Many prison officials and inmates may not be aware of the judgment or its implications, and there is a need for widespread sensitization and training programs. Compliance with the judgment will require robust mechanisms for monitoring and accountability, which are often absent in India’s prison system. In addition, addressing caste-based discrimination in prisons is only one part of the larger battle against casteism in Indian society. It requires sustained efforts to challenge and dismantle caste hierarchies in all spheres of life.

The Supreme Court judgment of October 2024 in Manav Adhikar Sangathan v. State of Rajasthan, which struck down caste-based provisions in state prison manuals, is a landmark decision in the fight against systemic discrimination. It vindicates the constitutional values of equality, dignity, and justice which constitute the very fabric of the Indian Constitution. Of course, the impact would be only so much as society is willing to confront and overcome its deep-rooted caste prejudice and as long as the administration is serious in implementing it in the real world. It’s not just a victory for prisoner rights but a milestone in building an equitable and just society.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *