In Brief

The Supreme Court examined the constitutional rights of prisoners sentenced to death. The Court held that death row status applies only after a sentence becomes final and beyond judicial review. Until then, and even after, death row prisoners must be treated like other convicted prisoners, entitled to work, education, vocational training, and prison facilities. Solitary or separate confinement is unconstitutional. Death row prisoners retain rights to family visits, legal consultations, and mental health support under Articles 14, 19 and 21. Security restrictions must comply with natural justice and be appealable. The Court directed uniform application of these rights across all States and Union Territories, and referred remaining issues to the Justice Amitava Roy Committee."

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