Madras HC probes alleged caste bias in prison sanitation

The Madras High Court has initiated an investigation into allegations of caste-based discrimination in prison sanitation practices. Specifically, the court is seeking reports regarding claims that prisoners from marginalized communities are being made to clean toilets in prisons located in Madurai, Tirunelveli, and Trichy districts. This action stems from a public interest litigation filed by K R Raja, who alleged that inmates from oppressed communities are disproportionately assigned manual scavenging and toilet cleaning duties.

The court has mandated inspections of the prisons by the district legal services authorities and the principal district judges of Madurai, Tirunelveli, and Trichy. They are to examine CCTV footage, conduct prisoner inquiries, and submit comprehensive reports. Additionally, prison superintendents have been ordered to file their own reports.

The petition details specific instances, such as certain blocks in Madurai and Palayamkottai prisons being designated for oppressed community prisoners, forcing them to clean approximately 150 toilets with minimal sanitary staff. Similar allegations have been raised concerning women prisoners at the Trichy Special Prison for Women, who were allegedly made to clean toilets at a petrol bunk operated by prison authorities, rather than engaging in vocational work.

The petitioner argues that these inhumane practices undermine the rule of law and human dignity, asserting that all prisoners are entitled to equal rights. The court's intervention seeks to prevent caste discrimination and ensure fair treatment in the assignment of labor within prisons.