Racial Discrimination Even in Indian Prisons

   Racial Discrimination Even in Indian Prisons

Caste Discrimination in Indian Prisons: A Deep-Rooted Reality

In 2018, Mridul Kumar (name changed), a 22-year-old from Banda, Uttar Pradesh, found himself entangled in India's deeply ingrained caste-based prejudices. Sentenced to four years in prison for an alleged assault that resulted in a neighbor's death, Mridul's time behind bars revealed how caste discrimination pervades even the country's correctional facilities.

Dalit Prisoners: A Tale of Inequity

Born into the Dalit community, the lowest rung in India's caste hierarchy, Mridul was no stranger to social prejudice. However, his experiences in prison underscored the systemic nature of this injustice. When Mridul entered prison in May 2022, he anticipated being assigned kitchen duties, given his experience as a street vendor selling egg rolls. Instead, he was asked about his caste and subsequently ordered to clean drains—a task traditionally stigmatized and associated with Dalits.

“I protested, requesting a job in the kitchen, but my complaints were ignored,” Mridul recounted. When he finally received an opportunity to assist in cooking, protests erupted among other inmates, citing his Dalit identity. He was ultimately reassigned to gardening, a task unfamiliar to him, further compounding his sense of alienation.

The Embedded Biases

Caste-based discrimination within prisons is not an isolated occurrence. A 2020 investigative report shed light on the widespread prevalence of such practices across Indian jails. Following this revelation, journalist Sukanya Santha filed a public interest litigation in 2023, prompting the Supreme Court to intervene. By October 2024, the Court, under Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, directed the government to amend prison rules to eliminate caste-based biases.

However, societal norms often obstruct such mandates. Manoj Kumar, a senior officer in the Indian Police Service, recounted an incident where a Dalit inmate serving food faced backlash from fellow prisoners. "More than half the inmates refused to eat food served by the Dalit prisoner. We had no choice but to reassign him," he explained. Despite the amendments, practices like forcing Dalit prisoners to clean toilets persist, solidifying the caste divide.

Discrimination in Justice Delivery

The disparity extends to the justice system itself, with marginalized communities disproportionately represented among undertrial prisoners. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported in 2020 that 64% of undertrial prisoners were Dalits, with Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes constituting 12.3% and 30%, respectively. These groups often face delays in justice due to limited access to legal aid and inability to meet bail conditions.

A 2024 study highlighted how prolonged detentions affect marginalized individuals, effectively making “justice delayed” synonymous with “justice denied.” Advocate Pranavesh Om criticized the systemic failures, citing the violation of constitutional guarantees of equality. “Our outdated prison laws perpetuate unconstitutional and inhumane practices,” he stated, adding that reforms were long overdue.

Psychological and Emotional Ramifications

The mental toll of caste-based discrimination in prisons is profound. Social worker Naresh Pars, who has spent over two decades working with inmates, emphasized the constant humiliation faced by Dalits. “From the moment a Dalit prisoner’s caste is recorded, they are treated as inferior. Tasks like cleaning toilets are imposed on them, and refusal leads to physical and verbal abuse,” he explained.

The exploitation doesn’t end there. Influential inmates often coerce Dalit prisoners into performing personal chores, further stripping them of dignity and self-worth. Such practices, Pars argued, directly violate Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.

A Glimmer of Hope

The Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling was a significant step toward addressing caste-based discrimination in prisons. The decision reinforced constitutional values and called for systemic reforms. However, experts caution that meaningful change requires more than legal directives—it necessitates a societal shift in attitudes.

Advocate Om expressed cautious optimism, urging the government to implement the changes promptly. He also stressed the need to address judicial delays, particularly for marginalized communities languishing in prison for years without trial.

Mridul Kumar’s story encapsulates the grim reality of caste-based discrimination in Indian prisons—a microcosm of the larger societal issue. While legislative and judicial interventions are essential, eradicating these entrenched biases demands collective action. Ensuring dignity, equality, and justice for all prisoners is not just a constitutional obligation but a moral imperative. Addressing these systemic issues is crucial for India to uphold its democratic ideals and pave the way for a more equitable society.