What led to Sanjay Dutt's early release: Bombay HC to Maharashtra govt

The Bombay High Court on Monday asked the state government to explain what led to actor Sanjay Dutt's early release from prison. Dutt who was sentenced to five years in prison in the 1993 blasts case, was granted a release 103 days ahead of his full term on grounds of good conduct.

A division bench of Justice RM Sawant and Justice Sadhana Jadhav said, "If the convict (Dutt) was out on parole/furlough for several months then, how did you allow him to be released early?"

The court asked the government to give details on whether the Deputy Inspector of General (DIG) was consulted by the Superintendent before granting remission. It asked, "Is he (Superintendent) the final authority?"

Dutt had surrendered in May 2013 after the Supreme Court upheld his conviction by a special court in Mumbai for possession of arms and ammunitions which was part of the consignment used in the 1993 serial bomb blasts in the city. After he cited personal reasons while in prison, Dutt was granted extended parole leave by authorities.

Public Prosecutor Prajakta Shinde informed the court that the remission was allowed based on Dutt's good conduct. To this, the bench asked, "Do you show such benefit to all inmates. Even if good
conduct was the reason, then he should have been transferred to open prison, was he shifted?"

The bombay high Court has also directed the Maharashtra government to file an affidavit by next week explaining what procedures were followed while granting remission to the actor.

The actor was granted parole first for 90 days and then for 30 days during his imprisonment in Pune's Yerwada prison.