SC asks NALSA to consider issuing uniform SOP for convicts to secure premature release


PTI, Aug 14, 2021, 2:42 PM IST

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has asked the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to consider issuing a uniform nationwide standard operating procedure for protecting the rights of convicts to secure “premature release” from jail in accordance with the law.

The apex court dismissed the pleas challenging a Allahabad High Court February 2019 verdict confirming the conviction and life term awarded to the petitioner in a murder case. According to the custody certificate issued by the Agra jail authority, the actual sentence undergone by the convict is around 16 years without remission, the court noted.

A bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud and M R Shah also directed the senior jail superintendent of Agra central prison to inform the convict of his right to submit an application for premature release in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations.

“NALSA is requested to consider issuing a uniform country-wide SOP (standard operating procedure) for protecting the rights of similarly placed convicts to secure pre-mature release in accordance with the provisions of law,” the bench said in its order passed on Friday.

The top court noted that the custody certificate issued by the senior jail superintendent indicated that actual sentence undergone is 15 years 11 months and 22 days without remission, and 19 years one month and 22 days with remission as on June 26 this year.

The bench said the UP state legal services authority shall ensure that its panel of lawyers visit every prison within the state and after due scrutiny of the nature of conviction, term of sentence and the sentence undergone, advise convicts and assist them in drafting appropriate representations to enable them to pursue their remedies regarding pre-mature release in accordance with law.

“Once such applications are filed, they shall be disposed of by the competent authority within a period of three months from the date of receipt,” the bench said.

While directing the jail official of Agra to apprise the convict in the case of his right to submit application for premature release, the bench said if any legal aid or assistance for that purpose is required, the senior jail superintendent shall intimate the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) within two weeks of the receipt of this order.

It said DLSA shall make available the requisite assistance so the convict is in a position to submit his application for premature release.

It said upon filing of such application, it shall be disposed of within three months by the competent authority in accordance with rules and regulations.

It directed that copy of its order be forwarded to the UP state legal services authority, secretary of the NLSA as well as to the state legal services authorities.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Drugs worth Rs 6 crore seized in Bengaluru, five arrested

Siddaramaiah urges Nirmala Sitharaman to address NABARD’s loan cuts to farmers

Karnataka HC denies anticipatory bail to Prajwal Revanna in sexual harassment case

Delhi court stays defamation case against CM Atishi

Awards don’t create value for independent films in India: Manoj Bajpayee

Public Alert: Cyber fraudsters impersonating traffic police to demand fines

UP: 25 people booked for attacking civic officials for encroachment removal

Related Articles More

Air pollution: SC flags Delhi govt’s failure to implement GRAP-4 curbs on entry of trucks

Baba Siddique murder: Man held from Akola, 26th arrest in case

SC notice to Gyanvapi mosque committee on plea for ASI survey of ‘shivling’ area

Delhi court stays defamation case against CM Atishi

Sambhal Jama Masjid row: Friday prayers held peacefully amid tight security

MUST WATCH

Christmas Cake Fruit Mixing

DK Shivakumar

Rose Cultivation

Geethotsava

Naxal Operation


Latest Additions

Air pollution: SC flags Delhi govt’s failure to implement GRAP-4 curbs on entry of trucks

Drugs worth Rs 6 crore seized in Bengaluru, five arrested

Siddaramaiah urges Nirmala Sitharaman to address NABARD’s loan cuts to farmers

Satwik-Chirag enter semifinals, Lakshya loses to Antonsen in China Masters

BJP stages protest against Congress govt in Karnataka over Waqf properties row

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.