HC: Ensure paroles not unnecessarily turned down

Chandigarh, March 31 Expressing regret and strong disapproval on the ‘strange’ grounds being taken by the Hisar Jail officials and police authorities while denying paroles to convicts, the Punjab and Haryana High Court today directed the authorities to ensure that paroles are not unnecessarily turned down and that such cases are not brought to the court.
The directions were passed by the High Court when a murder convict Dharamvir, presently lodged in Hisar Jail, approached the court challenging the denial of his parole.
A case on charges of murder was registered against Dharamvir in 1994. Since 2000, Dharamvir is lodged in Central Jail in Hisar. Dharamvir, who had previously also been released on parole many times, had sought ‘agricultural parole’ from the jail authorities seeking permission to take care of the harvest.
However, the parole was turned down after it was submitted in the report by an officer that releasing of Dharamvir on parole would not be in public interest. Arguing on behalf of Dharamvir, the counsel submitted that the ground taken by the jail authorities was frivolous as he had earlier also been released on parole.
The authorities further opined that Dharamvir’s release was not required as his son was present to take care of the harvest.
Taking strong note, the High Court reprimanded the jail authorities and also slapped a penalty of Rs 5,000 on two officials, including the jail superintendent.
The High Court has also directed the authorities to formulate a policy to ensure that paroles in such deserving cases should not be turned down.
Express news servicePosted online: Tuesday , April 01, 2008 at 01:26:23Updated: Tuesday , April 01, 2008 at 01:26:23