SC Directions on Early Release of Elderly Prisoners

On 16th July 2026, the Supreme Court (SC) directed all States and Union Territories to formulate, within three months, a uniform policy for the premature release of elderly and terminally ill prisoners.

  • The directions were issued by a Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) seeking nationwide guidelines for the compassionate release of prisoners, particularly those above 70 years of age.

Key Observations of the SC

  • Constitutional Rights: Fundamental rights continue even inside prisons.
  • Human Dignity: Prolonged incarceration of elderly and terminally ill prisoners ....
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