Quick Summary: On February 23, 2026, the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court granted 28 days of leave to a prisoner, Murugesan, who recently had his leg amputated due to diabetes. This decision was made by Judges G.R. Swaminathan and R. Kalaimathi, focusing on the rights and care of prisoners with disabilities.
Murugesan, a 67-year-old prisoner in Palayamkottai Central Prison, Tirunelveli, has been serving a life sentence for over six years. After having surgery for a leg amputation on October 10, 2025, his daughter, M. Kalaiselvi, asked the court to give him 28 days off to recover.
Judges G.R. Swaminathan and R. Kalaimathi listened to the case and decided in favor of Murugesan. They allowed him to leave from February 28 to March 27, 2026, without a police officer accompanying him.
"The prisoner, Murugesan, is given regular leave for twenty-eight days without an escort."
The decision follows the Supreme Court's guidelines to ensure better care for prisoners with disabilities. These guidelines include making facilities accessible and having regular health check-ups for inmates, emphasizing the need for kind treatment.
The court highlighted the importance of proper medical care and facilities for prisoners with disabilities. Murugesan's case showed the need for early medical help to prevent serious health issues like amputations.
The judgment also pointed out the lack of disability-friendly facilities in Tamil Nadu prisons. It called for immediate improvements, such as installing western toilets and providing necessary medical care and counseling for Murugesan.
The court ordered a full health check-up for all prisoners every two years to prevent conditions like diabetes from getting worse. It emphasized the importance of providing suitable diets and medical care tailored to individual health needs.
The court's decision to grant Murugesan leave reflects a growing awareness of the need for kind and fair treatment within the prison system, especially for those with health challenges. It highlights the importance of ensuring dignity and proper care for all prisoners.
