UP Govt scrutinising details, seeking legal opinion for premature release of convicts
PRAYAGRAJ, Dec 7 (HS): In a major development, the state administration is reviewing the records of
UP Govt scrutinising details, seeking legal opinion for premature release of convicts


PRAYAGRAJ, Dec 7 (HS): In a major development, the state administration is reviewing the records of all 103 inmates. It is worth mentioning that around 103 life-sentenced inmates from Uttar Pradesh have petitioned the Supreme Court to be released early. The move comes after the Apex Court asked if the UP government's 2018 policy on the early release of life-sentenced convicts can be applied retroactively in light of adjustments made in July this year. The state administration is also seeking legal guidance on the topic from the attorney general's office. Around 103 inmates in Uttar Pradesh who are serving life sentences have petitioned the Supreme Court to be released early. These convicts have been incarcerated for 20 to 25 years. The state government is reviewing the records of all 103 detainees before filing a reply with the Supreme Court. According to a state government source acquainted with the situation, a legal opinion from the state's advocate general's office is being sought.

Last week, a Supreme Court bench led by Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice AS Bopanna issued a notice to the state government, requesting a response within two weeks. The Apex Court bench stated that, despite the fact that 103 convicts had approached the court, the court would not look into individual cases to determine the impact of their release on society. "The United Provinces Offenders Release on Probation Act, 1938," stated prominent advocate IB Singh, "clearly stipulates that the government must consider release on probation of such prisoners who have served 14 years in prison. Only those who are receiving a life sentence for committing terrible crimes are considered for probation." Singh stated, "Relaxation may be considered for release."

In September of this year, the Supreme Court granted interim bail to 97 convicts who had been serving life sentences in Agra and Varanasi central jails for more than 20 years. The prisoners were not released, despite the fact that they were eligible for early release under the Uttar Pradesh government's 2018 policy, according to the top court. 65 of the 97 inmates were held at the Agra central prison, 30 in Varanasi, and one in each of the Mathura and Naini (Prayagraj) jails. On August 1, 2018, the state government enacted a policy allowing for the early release of life-sentenced criminals on Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti. On July 28, 2021, the government changed this policy. Under the 2018 policy, only on specific dates, including January 26, August 15, or October 2, convicts were considered for premature release after the prisoners applied under the policy. Now, after the amendments, they are considered for premature release on every 15th day of the month.

HS/Abhishek Awasthi


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