Probation period now a must for prisoners granted early release

The Himachal Government has decided to introduce a mandatory probation period for jail inmates, who are granted premature release on the basis of good conduct, to ensure that they do not indulge in any kind of unlawful activities later on. The activities of the released prisoners will be monitored and if they are found indulging in any kind of unlawful activities, they will be again lodged in jail.

Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said that several prisoners were granted early release on the basis of their good conduct. However, the Cabinet had decided that now onwards, the release from jail would be conditional and the conduct of the prisoners after release would be monitored, he added.

He said that it would be seen whether the released prisoners were involved in any kind of unlawful activity after their release. “If found involved, their release will be cancelled and they will be lodged in jail again,” he added.

As per officials of the Department of Prisons and Correctional Services, applications for premature release of prisoners undergoing life imprisonment are scrutinised by the State Sentence Review Board which may consider premature release for some life-term inmates under specified conditions.

The premature release from jail is granted under specific conditions such as good conduct, no jail offences and punctual return from parole or furlough. Prisoners, who are eligible for premature release, include both men and women undergoing life imprisonment and covered under Section 433-A of the Code of Criminal Procedure will be eligible after 14 years of actual imprisonment. Other men may be considered after 14 years (including remission) and 10 years actual jail while women after 10 years (including remission) and seven years actual jail. Prisoners aged over 65 years and those with terminal illnesses may be considered for early release. Medical certification is required for terminally ill inmates seeking early release.

However, those convicted of serious crimes like rape, robbery and terrorism as well as individuals involved in premeditated and organised murders, professional contract killers and those convicted of murder during smuggling operations or who had killed public servants on duty are not qualified for premature release.

At present, there are 15 jails in the state having around 3,071 inmates (2,952 males and 119 females) though these can accommodate 2,580 inmates.

Himachal Tribune