The process for the premature release of prisoners serving sentences, based on good conduct and better work in prison, is set to go online. This will increase transparency in the movement of files and decisions will also be made within a set timeframe. Under the new system, the entire procedure from the district level to the Governor's office will be processed digitally, and a maximum timeframe of 120 days has been set for the entire process. Previously, there was no set timeframe, which caused files in many cases to remain pending for more than a year.
Supreme Court Guidelines And Timeline
The state government has issued revised guidelines in compliance with the Supreme Court's order of February 18, 2025. Under this, the jail superintendent will initiate the files of automatically eligible prisoners on January 1, May 1 and September 1, each year, for those who will become eligible in the next four months. A nodal officer will also be appointed at the prison headquarters to monitor this process. On Monday, a high-level meeting was also held in Delhi on this subject, in which the online platform, timeline, and monitoring mechanism were discussed.
Timely Relief And Right To Reconsideration
Sitaram Sharma, Superintendent of District Jail Ghaziabad, stated that the new system will prevent unnecessary delays and eligible prisoners will be able to get timely relief. He said that digital tracking will ensure accountability at every level. According to the new guidelines, the advisory committee can recommend conditional release after considering the nature of the prisoner's crime, their conduct, the possibility of rehabilitation, and the impact on the victim. If release is denied, the reason must be given in writing, and the prisoner will have the right to reconsideration.
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Ineligibility Criteria For Premature Release
Those involved in serious crimes such as terrorist activities, official secrets violations, POCSO, NDPS, or escaping from police custody will not benefit from this scheme. For those convicted of more than three murders, it will be mandatory to complete a minimum sentence of 25 years without remission. In addition to these, there are several other criteria and failure to meet them will result in the prisoner not receiving relief.
Recent Case Highlighting Delays
Recently, the prison administration issued the premature release order for Suhaib alias Raja, a convict in a murder case. His file was initiated in April 2025, whereas the order was issued this month.
Official Statement
Jail Superintendent Sitaram Sharma said, "In this regard, on the orders of the Supreme Court, the software is also in its final stages. With it, the entire process will become online. Decisions on the premature release of prisoners will take less time."