Prisoners and Allotment of Work During Penal Punishment on the Basis of Caste: A Constitutional and Human Rights Analysis

Abstract

The Indian prison system has historically reflected social hierarchies existing outside prison walls. One of the most controversial practices has been the allocation of prison labour based on caste identities of prisoners. Such practices have raised serious concerns regarding equality, dignity, non-discrimination, and human rights. The Constitution of India guarantees equality before law and prohibits discrimination on grounds of caste. Despite these constitutional safeguards, prison manuals in certain states have contained provisions assigning specific tasks to prisoners according to their caste backgrounds. This paper critically examines the constitutional validity of caste-based prison labour, analyses judicial interventions, and evaluates the issue from a human rights perspective. The study concludes that caste-based allocation of prison work is incompatible with constitutional morality and international human rights standards