Diwali is set to bring a special reason to celebrate for 143 prisoners in Gujarat, as the state government has approved 15 days of temporary release for eligible inmates. The decision will allow them to step out of prison and spend the festival with their families.
The prisoners are scheduled to be released on November 6, coinciding with Dhanteras. The approved list includes 103 male prisoners aged 60 years or above and 40 female prisoners lodged in different jails across the state.
The decision has been taken as part of the Gujarat government’s prisoner welfare and prison reform initiatives under the guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi. The initiative aims to give eligible inmates an opportunity to reconnect with their families during the festive season.
A Diwali Tradition Since 2003
The special Diwali parole arrangement is not new to Gujarat. The state government has been following this practice every year since 2003. Under the policy, eligible women prisoners and male inmates aged 60 years or above are granted 15 days of temporary release to celebrate Diwali with their loved ones.
Who Will Not Get Parole?
However, the benefit is not available to every prisoner. Gujarat Prisons and Correctional Department Director General of Police Dr K. L. N. Rao clarified that inmates involved in serious offences are excluded under the existing rules.
These include prisoners convicted of rape, kidnapping, robbery, dacoity, theft and extortion. Those serving sentences under the NDPS Act, TADA and POTA are also excluded. Prisoners involved in terrorist activities, those convicted in multiple cases, inmates from other states and NRI prisoners will not be eligible.
Additionally, prisoners whose appeals are pending before the High Court and those facing preventive detention orders are excluded.
With 143 prisoners approved for temporary release, Gujarat’s annual Diwali parole initiative will once again give eligible inmates an opportunity to celebrate the festival with their families.