Delhi High Court Criticizes Delay in Parole Decisions, Orders Immediate Reforms
Court grants parole to Lalit @ Lucky, demands explanation from Principal Secretary for procedural delays.
In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has reprimanded the persistent delays in parole applications, emphasizing the insensitivity shown by competent authorities towards prisoners' rights. The judgment was delivered by Justice Neena Bansal Krishna in response to a writ petition filed by Lalit @ Lucky, who sought parole due to his and his father's ill health.
The petitioner had applied for parole on July 22, 2025, citing the need to maintain social ties and manage stress due to prolonged incarceration. Despite the statutory requirement under the Delhi Prison Rules, 2018, to decide parole applications within four weeks, no decision had been made by September 10, 2025, prompting the legal plea.
Highlighting the repeated negligence in adhering to prescribed timelines, the court underscored the detrimental impact of such delays on prisoners' mental and physical well-being. Justice Krishna remarked that the delays "reflect insensitivity and disregard for prisoners' rights," and stressed that parole is a fundamental right aimed at helping prisoners maintain family connections and mental health.
The court granted Lalit @ Lucky a four-week parole, imposing conditions to ensure accountability. These included furnishing a bond, weekly reporting to local police, and maintaining an active communication line.
Additionally, the court ordered the Principal Secretary (Home), NCT of Delhi, to personally appear on November 6, 2025, to explain the recurrent delays and present a plan to streamline the parole process. This move indicates the court's determination to enforce timely decision-making in parole applications, safeguarding prisoners' rights and welfare.
This judgment serves as a critical reminder of the importance of procedural adherence and sensitivity towards the incarcerated, urging state agencies to respect legal mandates and the human rights of prisoners.
Bottom Line:
Parole application under Article 226 of the Constitution of India and Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 - Delay in deciding parole applications by the competent authority despite statutory time frame under Delhi Prison Rules, 2018, amounts to insensitivity towards prisoners.
Statutory provision(s): Article 226 of the Constitution of India, Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Delhi Prison Rules, 2018.
Lalit @ Lucky v. State of NCT of Delhi, (Delhi) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2793552
