Court Emphasizes Constitutional Obligations for Humane Treatment and Medical Care in Prisons
In a significant ruling, the Rajasthan High Court reaffirmed the rights of prisoners to humane treatment and necessary medical care under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. The court directed that the existing medical facilities and accommodations for Asharam alias Ashumal, a convict suffering from multiple serious ailments, should remain in place during his incarceration. The judgment stresses the constitutional obligation of the state to ensure prison conditions are consistent with human dignity and health requirements, even after the conclusion of the convict's appeal.
Justice Sanjeet Purohit, in his detailed order, addressed various requests made by the petitioner for additional facilities, citing medical reports and previous court orders. The court observed that the petitioner's medical condition, including critical coronary artery disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis, warranted the continuation of special accommodations. The court emphasized that rights of prisoners to life and dignity do not diminish upon conviction, and the state must balance institutional discipline with these constitutional guarantees.
The petitioner’s plea sought the restoration of facilities such as bed and bedding, alkaline drinking water, and fortnightly visits by his personal doctor, which had been previously granted based on his health condition. While the court granted these requests, it declined additional demands for daily doctor visits and personal attendants of choice, underscoring the need for arrangements to align with prison discipline.
The judgment also rejected the request for a private ambulance but mandated that prison authorities ensure the availability of appropriate ambulance facilities during emergencies. The court expected prison authorities to remain sensitive to the petitioner’s health needs, without compromising on prison discipline.
This ruling reinforces the judiciary's role in safeguarding prisoner rights and highlights the ongoing responsibility of the state to provide adequate medical care within the prison system. The decision is a reminder that incarceration does not strip prisoners of their fundamental rights, and humane treatment must be preserved.
Bottom line:-
Rights of prisoners under Article 21 of the Constitution of India extend to humane treatment, necessary medical care, and dignified living conditions, even during incarceration.
Statutory provision(s): Article 21 of the Constitution of India, Rajasthan Prison Rules, 1951, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, Juvenile Justice Act, Indian Penal Code.
Asharam Alias Ashumal v. State of Rajasthan, (Rajasthan) : Law Finder Doc id # 2922760
