BENGALURU: Another batch of around 350 life convicts (lifers) in Karnataka may be set free on this Independence Day. After the State government released 375 life convicts, including 13 women, on Republic Day this year the Prison Department is in the process of preparing a list of around 350 lifers, who fulfill the State government's 'Guidelines for Premature Release of Certain Categories of Prisoners Sentenced to Life' of 2014 and can be considered for premature release. The guidelines are based on the Supreme Court's order and the Governor's recommendations.
The Advisory Boards which were constituted two years ago at all the eight Central Prisons in Karnataka to screen and finalise the names of life convicts, who have spent a prison sentence of or more than 14 years with remission have met, barring Bengaluru Central Prison, and have reportedly approved the names of convicts, who could be considered for premature release.
The Advisory Board for the Central Prison at Parappana Agrahara, Bengaluru will meet on Friday to clear the names of around 150 to 180 life convicts, who comply with the 2014 guidelines.
"The proposal with the names of the convicts, who can be considered for premature release will be sent to the Government and if they approve their candidature then that list will be sent to the Governor for his final approval," said an official source.
The guidelines apply to 'eligible' convicts, who have completed 14 years of prison sentence and had a record of good behaviour during their imprisonment and parole. Their premature release should not disturb public order, law and order and there should be no threat to the family of victims as also no threat to the life of the released prisoner.
They should not have not been tried and convicted for human trafficking or under Central laws such as Terrorist & Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (Pocso), 2012 or investigated by any Central agency like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
