What happened: Supreme Court orders district-level prison visitors’ boards and uniform caste-wise data
The Supreme Court directed all States and Union Territories to constitute district-level boards of visitors for prisons within four weeks. The Court issued the direction in a suo motu matter after allegations of discrimination inside prisons were brought before the Court and after an earlier October judgment.
The Court specified the role of the prison oversight body (district board of visitors) as follows:
Key functions assigned to the board of visitors include:
The Court noted that the oversight body should have both official and non-official members and should conduct regular prison inspections, monitor inmates’ welfare, and review living conditions in correctional facilities.
Background and earlier position: Model Prison Manual requirement and prior October judgment
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