Karnataka High Court Rules on Prison Diet Rights

The Karnataka High Court affirmed that all citizens and undertrial prisoners, including Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, have the right to a nutritious diet, regardless of their social or financial status. This ruling came during a hearing on Darshan's petition challenging a Magistrate court's denial of his request for home-cooked meals and bedding while incarcerated for the Renukaswamy murder case. Justice M Nagaprasanna emphasized that medical needs should be addressed without distinction, asserting that if special diets are necessary due to health conditions, they will be provided by medical professionals. Senior advocate Prabhuling K Navadgi argued that the court misapplied Rule 728 of the Karnataka Prisons Manual, which should not override the provision for home-cooked food as per Section 30 of the Karnataka Prisons Act. The court instructed the authorities to reassess Darshan's requests in light of medical advice and report findings by August 20. The case highlights broader implications for prisoners' rights and welfare within the judicial system.