New Delhi   

300 seek it, a few get it

NEW DELHI: Every year 300-odd inmates of the Capital’s Tihar Central Jail seek parole on various grounds, but very few are lucky to be released.

“More than 300 inmates, including convicts and under-trials, apply for parole every year citing different reasons, but it is the prerogative of the Delhi Government to accept or reject the request. There could be several grounds for seeking a parole ranging from some happy occasion in the family such as marriage or birth to poor health of a family member. Inmates even seek parole for their own medical treatment or to settle business matters. If the authorities find merit in the plea, parole is granted,” said a senior Tihar Jail officer on Monday.

“Though there is no lower or upper limit for the parole period, it usually ranges from a fortnight to a month. Inmates even seek parole for three to four months in some cases. The inmate out on parole may even plead for extension of the parole period and sometimes it is even considered by the authorities. Also, there is no restriction on the number of times an inmate can seek parole during his stay in jail. He may be granted parole more than once if the authorities find merit in his plea.”

Though there are no pre-conditions for grant of parole, it may be cancelled if the person is found indulging in an illegal activity during the parole period.

The officer dismissed the common perception that only the rich and influential inmates get parole: “Usually high-profile inmates when granted parole draw huge media attention and this leads to the perception that only the rich inmates are released. But a majority of those seeking parole come from a poor economic ground and are granted parole. The economic status of the inmate is not a criterion for rejection or granting of parole. The authorities usually take into account the conduct of the inmate during his stay in jail, his track record and the merit of the plea to decide on the parole application.”

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