No freedom for convicts with good behaviour this Independence Day

Deferring the usual practice of releasing some convicts for good behaviour on Independence Day, this year no convicts were released from the State Central jail. The main reason suspected is the recent exposure of irregularities in Parappana Agrahara jail that got senior officials washing their dirty linen in public and the subsequent transfer of officials, reported Kannada Prabha.

A team headed by retired IAS officer Vinay Kumar is investigating into the irregularities in the jail.  A notice has also been issued to the jail authorities, ordering inquiry by the National Human Rights Commission, regarding assault on jail inmates. These two factors have resulted in not releasing any convict for Independence Day.

According to sources at jail, a list with 93 names was recommended for release. But the department has not received any order from the government to release them.  Sources at raj Bhavan told Kannada Prabha that the Governor has not received any list recommending release of convicts for good behaviour.  In 2016 284 convicts were released on Independence Day. In 2015 252 inmates were released on Republic Day.  Another 144 convicts were released on Republic day in 2016.  In 2016 the Supreme Court had issued a new order with regard to release of convicts by State Governments.

The new order stated that as per Section 433 - A, a male convict granted life term should complete 14 years rigorous imprisonment and a woman convict should complete 10 years rigorous imprisonment compulsorily.  No terrorist or participant in terrorist activity can be released before the sentence term is completed.

When Kannada Prabha contacted the jail officials, they just said they have not received any orders from the State Government in this regard.

• Convicts not released for Independence Day
• convicts
• prisoners
• Independence Day
• Karnataka