The Kerala High Court rejected a public interest litigation challenging the state government’s decision to raise wages for convicted prisoners. The court dismissed the petition filed by advocate A. K. Gopi, which questioned the legality of the government’s order dated January 9. The order increased daily wages for prison labor from Rs 63 – Rs 168 to Rs 530 and Rs 620.
The petitioner argued that the wage revision represented a significant increase, with some categories seeing up to a nine-fold rise in wages at once. The revised structure could lead to prisoners earning around Rs 15,000 to Rs 18,600 monthly, while the state covers all essential living expenses. This was claimed to create an economic imbalance where prisoners might have a financial advantage over free workers.
The court cited a Supreme Court judgment emphasizing that prison labor wages are meant to be fair and incentive-based, not equivalent to statutory minimum wages. It was noted that prison wages should not put inmates in a better economic position than free labor once state-provided facilities are considered. The court also mentioned that other workers can seek wage revisions through proper channels.
The judges highlighted that prison wages are part of the rehabilitation process and aid in the reintegration of prisoners. They emphasized that prisoners receive wages for work done and that the scheme aims to support their rehabilitation. The court dismissed the petition, stating that the non-revision of pay scales for other workers does not prevent the state from revising prison wages.
