Case Title: National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India & Others
*W.P. (Crl.) No. 162 / 2025
Date: May 5, 2025
Bench: Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta
Summary:
On May 5, 2025, the Supreme Court issued notice to the Union of India, all State Governments, and Union Territories in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). The petition seeks urgent and compassionate release of elderly and terminally ill convicted prisoners across the country.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta took cognisance of the issue and directed the respondents to respond to the plea. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on May 19, 2025.
The petition highlights the deteriorating conditions faced by aging and terminally ill inmates who continue to be incarcerated without adequate medical care or access to humane living standards. It argues that the continued imprisonment of such individuals infringes upon their fundamental rights under Articles 14 (equality before law) and 21 (protection of life and personal liberty) of the Constitution of India.
NALSA further emphasizes that India, as a signatory to several international human rights instruments, has an obligation to uphold the dignity and rights of all prisoners, particularly those who are aged or suffering from life-limiting conditions.
The plea calls for the implementation of a compassionate release mechanism, aligned with constitutional mandates and global human rights standards, to ensure humane treatment and dignity for such vulnerable prisoners.
