NationalFriday, 17 July 2026·Hindu Tamil Thisai
Supreme Court asks states to frame policy for early release of terminally ill and elderly prisoners within 3 months
The Supreme Court directed all states and Union Territories to frame a policy within 3 months for early release of terminally ill and prisoners above 70 years.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In July 2026, a Supreme Court bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta ordered all States and Union Territories to frame, within 3 months, a policy for the humane early release of prisoners suffering from incurable diseases and those above 70 years of age.
Key specifics
- The order was passed by a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta.
- States and Union Territories were given 3 months to frame the policy.
- The policy must identify eligible prisoners in consultation with State Legal Services Authorities.
- The Court asked for a clear definition of “incurable disease” based on a United Nations handbook.
- It also directed use of the e-Prisons portal and independent medical boards at district and State levels.
Exam lens
Question type: judiciary and governance, Supreme Court directions, prison reform, e-Prisons portal, July 2026. TNPSC one-liner: The Supreme Court asked all States and UTs to create a 3-month policy for early release of terminally ill and 70-plus prisoners.