BENGALURU: The cabinet on Thursday approved the names of 166 prisoners to be released prematurely on the basis of good conduct.
The list of prisoners will now be sent to the governor for approval, following which they will be released. Usually, the exercise coincides with Republic Day celebrations, but this year it was delayed, home department officials said.
In 2014, the government evolved new guidelines for the premature release of certain categories of prisoners who have been sentenced to life but completed 14 years of jail with good track record.
The guidelines would apply to eligible persons subject to conditions, including that their cases do not fall under section 435 of criminal procedure code and that they execute bonds of surety. They should have a record of good behaviour during parole and, as a result of their release, there should be no disturbance to law and order and no threat to themselves or the families of victims.
A committee headed by the principal secretary, home department, reviews the proposals on a case-by-case basis and makes recommendations to the cabinet. The list is finally taken to the governor for approval.
Land for BDA
The cabinet approved handing over 66 acres of litigation-free land identified for Shivaram Karanth Layout to Bengaluru Development Authority. It okayed a drone and aerial survey of residential and agricultural properties which will be taken up at a cost of Rs 285 crore.
