Bombay High Court Critiques Arbitrary Denial of Parole to Convicts

The Bombay High Court has criticized state prison authorities for routinely dismissing parole and furlough requests based on unsubstantiated police reports. The court underscored the importance of these provisions in maintaining family ties for convicts. The decision came in response to a petition by Tabrez Khan, whose furlough was denied on flimsy grounds.

The Bombay High Court has condemned the routine dismissal of parole and furlough requests by state prison authorities, labeling such actions as 'perfunctory.' The court highlighted that objections raised by local police stations often lack substantial basis and should not be the sole reason for denying convicts these benefits.

A division bench of Justices Bharati Dangre and Manjusha Deshpande made these observations while hearing a petition filed by Tabrez Khan, a convict in a murder case. Khan's furlough had been denied based on an adverse report from a local police station, a decision the high court has since quashed.

The court emphasized that parole and furlough are designed to help convicts maintain family ties and shoulder family responsibilities. It also reminded the prison authorities of an August 2022 circular advising against rejection of applications solely on adverse police reports. The Inspector General of Prisons and Correctional Services has been urged to adhere to these guidelines.

(With inputs from agencies.)