Overview
- All States and Union Territories must establish robust, independent and accessible grievance mechanisms tailored to prisoners with disabilities.
- Prison manuals are to be amended to guarantee inclusive education, specialised medical care and enhanced visitation rights for inmates with benchmark disabilities.
- Section 89 of the RPwD Act now applies to prison establishments, with fines of ₹10,000 for a first offence and ₹50,000–₹5 lakh for subsequent violations by staff.
- States and UTs must file compliance affidavits within four months detailing secure procurement, availability and maintenance systems for assistive devices and mobility aids.
- The Court extended the L. Muruganantham directions nationwide, requiring wheelchair-friendly spaces, accessible toilets, ramps, sensory-safe environments and periodic audits under the 2021 Harmonised Guidelines.