The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has ordered the State to respond to a plea seeking the revision of exorbitant telephone charges imposed on prisoners, arguing that the current tariffs are discriminatory compared to market rates.
- Madras High Court seeks State's response on prison call tariffs.
- Prisoners pay approx ₹28 per 10-minute call, totaling nearly ₹280 monthly.
- Petition seeks free communication for indigent, aged, and differently-abled inmates.
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has taken a serious view of the disparity between telephone charges levied on prison inmates and the prevailing market rates for telecom services. A Division Bench comprising Justices C.V. Karthikeyan and R. Sakthivel issued a notice to the State government following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by K.R. Raja of Madurai.
The core of the petition challenges a 2023 Government Order (G.O.) issued by the Home Department. While the order aimed to modernize prison communication by introducing voice and video-call facilities through public sector undertakings, the resulting cost has become a burden for the incarcerated. According to the petitioner, prisoners are currently charged approximately ₹28 for every 10-minute call, which amounts to roughly ₹280 per month for the permitted limit.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this is not merely a financial dispute but a matter of fundamental human rights. Communication with family is a critical component of prisoner rehabilitation and mental health. When the cost of a basic phone call exceeds the monthly unlimited plans available to the general public (which range from ₹200 to ₹350), it creates a systemic barrier that disproportionately affects the poor.
"Charging prisoners higher rates than the free market for basic communication is a form of indirect punishment that violates the principle of equitable treatment."
The petitioner highlighted that while telephone entitlements were increased to 10 calls (up to 120 minutes) per month, the affordability remains a critical hurdle. Since prisoners cannot earn a living while incarcerated, they are entirely dependent on external funds, making the ₹280 monthly expense prohibitive for many.
Furthermore, the plea urges the court to direct authorities to provide completely free communication facilities for specific vulnerable groups, including indigent prisoners, the elderly, women, and differently-abled individuals, ensuring that poverty does not become a barrier to legal and emotional support.
| Feature | Prisoner Tariff (approx) | General Public Tariff |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per 10 mins | ₹28 | Near Zero (Unlimited Plans) |
| Monthly Spend | ₹280 (Limited) | ₹200 - ₹350 (Unlimited) |
| Access | Controlled Booths | Personal Mobile Devices |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the current status of the case?
The Madras High Court has issued a notice to the State, and the matter is posted for further hearing on October 14.
Q2: Who is eligible for free calls according to the petition?
The petitioner has requested free facilities for indigent, aged, women, and differently-abled prisoners.
