Don't grant parole for hardened criminals: MHA to states

In its communication to the states and Union Territories, the Ministry of Home Affairs asked them not to grant parole and furlough as a matter of routine, especially for inmates sentenced for sexual offences, murders, child abduction and violence.

New Delhi: Reviewing the parole and furlough norms laid down in Model Prison Manual 2016, the Home Ministry has said that grant of parole and furlough to offenders whose release may have adverse impact on security of the state or safety of individuals, may be strictly restricted.

The MHA further said that it may be useful to invariably include a psychologist, criminologist, correction admin expert as a member of the sentence review board and in the committee that decided grant of parole and furlough to inmates and obtain their opinion before such temporary release.

In a communication addressed to chief secretaries, DGs, and IG (Prison) of all states and UTs on Thursday, the Home Ministry asked them to review the existing practices and procedures on parole, furlough and premature release to inmates, in light of Model Prison Manual, 2016 and guidelines issued by MHA, NHRC and apex court from time to time.

"It is requested to include the suggested provisions in the protocol developed for the purpose as it is necessary to ensure careful and comprehensive examination of each such case," the MHA said in its communication.

The MHA said that parole and furlough may not be granted as a matter of routine and may be decided by a committee of officers and behavioral experts, who may meet as per requirement, keeping in view all relevant factors, especially for inmates sentenced for sexual offences, serious crime such as murder, child abduction, violence etc.

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In order to ensure that inmates released on parole, furlough and premature release, etc, do not violate law, a system must be in place for monitoring and follow up of each case. "An action taken report may be sent to the MHA," the letter said.

The letter said that concerns have been expressed regarding recidivism, as in some cases prison inmates or temporary release from prison either on parole or furlough or on premature release, before completion of their sentence, have reoffended or indulged in criminal activities.

"This underlines the need for carefully regulating the grant of parole, furlough, remission and premature release to prisoners. It is therefore important for state authorities, to review their guidelines to ensure that the facility and concessions given to inmates, with the intention of providing them relief and rehabilitation, is not abused and misused by them and their advantage does not turn into disadvantage and nuisance for the society at large," the MHA said in its communication.

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