Parole and Furlough
Why in news : Recently, there is huge uproar regarding the parole of some prisoners.
What is parole and furlough :
- Furlough and parole both are generally means a short-term temporary release from custody.
- The Prisoners Act of 1894 and Prisoners Act, 1900 defines the furlough and the parole system.
- Parole or leave is mostly a suspension of sentence.
- Furlough is considered as an incentive for good conduct in prison and it is counted as sentence served.
- Each state has its own rules for parole and furlough since prisons and reformatories fall under state list under the seventh schedule of the Indian constitution.
- Section 59 of the Prisons Act empowers states to make rules inter alia “for the shortening of sentences” and “for rewards for good conduct”.
- The maximum period of parole is one month but it can be extended under special circumstances.
- The period for furlough is for 14 days in a year but extension may be granted citing certain reasons after an application is submitted to the prison superintendent.
- Parole and furlough are the rights which are available to the prisoners under sections-432 of Criminal Procedure Code 1973.
Issue with the system :
- Since there is no central law governing the framework of parole and furlough system, states are misusing the provisions to discriminate between various prisoners.
- There are wide range irregularities in granting parole and furlough and also in their duration.
What needs to be done :
- All the states should agree and come forward to draft a common law under central framework.
Syllabus : Prelims + Mains; GS2- various state laws in news
