HC directive on release of those in jail for more than 14 years

The Allahabad high court today directed the Uttar Pradesh government to expeditiously decide the matter of release of those who have been sentenced for life and have spent more than 14 years in jails.

Passing the order, justice Amar Saran and justice SC Nigam observed that there were more than 500 such prisoners in the state, who had been sentenced for life and had spent more than 14 years behind the bars.

The order came on a writ petition filed by one Bachche Lal, whereby the court's attention was drawn towards the large number of prisoners who have been in jails for more than 14 years.

The court ordered that authorities, who have been empowered to look into the matter of premature release of prisoners, shall "proceed without waiting for the report from the concerned jail if sufficient matter for taking such action is available".

The court also asked the concerned authorities to submit a report on the action taken in this regard by March 12.

Fixing March 20, 2010 as the next date for hearing, the court directed the Inspector General (Prisons) to issue reminders to those authorities whose delayed action was preventing expeditious preparation of reports on prisoners.

"The IG could also call for any further information from any subordinate authority which may be of help to the advisory board headed by him in deciding a prisoner's case", the court added.