No parole for terrorists, rapists in Maharashtra

MUMBAI: Convicts in cases of rape, dacoity and terrorism will not be granted parole in Maharashtra, as chief minister Devendra Fadnavis cleared home department’s

MUMBAI: Convicts in cases of rape, dacoity and terrorism will not be granted parole in Maharashtra, as chief minister Devendra Fadnavis cleared home department’s proposal to make parole norms stringent.

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Along with rape and terrorism, accused imprisoned for mutiny against the state, kidnapping for ransom, smuggling of narcotics or psychotropic substances and prisoners serving the life imprisonment for any crime will also not be given parole.

The home department is expected to issue a notification to bring in the amendment to the Maharashtra Jail Manual. The changes were proposed by the home department in the backdrop of escape of Sajjad Mughal, convicted for the murder of lawyer Pallavi Purkayastha, who was out on parole.

The government has also brought down the number of days of leave under parole to 45 from 90 a year. The leave will now be excluded from the term period, which means the term to be served in jail will be extended if the convict is granted parole.

The changes enable the jail authorities to lodge a criminal case if a prisoner jumps parole.

Hindustan Times had, on August 13, reported about the decision taken by the state home department.

An official from the home department said the process of granting parole will be more foolproof, as only deputy inspector general of police or additional director general of police have been given the power to recommend parole, instead of superintendent of prison. The final decision of granting parole will be with the divisional commissioner, an IAS officer.