Supreme Court Upholds 2018 Delhi Prison Rules on Inmate Visits

The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea challenging the 2018 Delhi Prison Rules, which set a limit on the number of visits an inmate can have from family, relatives, friends, and legal advisers. The plea sought an amendment to the prison rules, arguing that limiting visits to two times a week violates the inmate’s right to legal representation under Article 21 of the Constitution.

However, the apex court deemed the issue a policy matter and refused to interfere with the Delhi High Court’s decision from February 2022, which upheld the capping of visits. The High Court had suggested submitting suggestions for consideration by the Delhi government.