Overview

• A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan issued binding directions on September 12 in litigation stemming from a 2000 Delhi outbreak at the Lampur/Narela home.
• The Centre must publish model guidelines within three months, and States and Union Territories must complete implementation of the court’s directions within six months.
• Mandatory health safeguards include medical screening within 24 hours of admission, monthly check-ups, and disease surveillance, alongside enforced standards for potable water, functional toilets, and pest control.
• Capacity and oversight rules require occupancy within sanctioned limits, adequate ventilation and open space, independent infrastructure audits at least every two years, monitoring committees, annual public reports, and a centralized digital inmate database.
• Accountability and rehabilitation measures mandate compensation and possible departmental or criminal action for negligent deaths, vocational training and legal aid for inmates, separate facilities for women and children, and referral of children found begging under the Juvenile Justice Act.