Court Considers Family Circumstances and Urgency, Allows Limited Parole for Convict to Attend Sister's Wedding
In a compassionate ruling, the Karnataka High Court has granted emergency parole to Sri Chetan S, a convict currently serving his sentence, enabling him to attend his sister's wedding. The decision, rendered by Justice B.M. Shyam Prasad, underscores the court's consideration of unique family circumstances, including the physical impairment of the convict's siblings and the non-disputed nature of the wedding event.
The petitioner, Smt. Geetha R, had approached the court seeking emergency parole for her son, who has been imprisoned for over three years following a conviction under Section 363 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and other sections. The appeal against his conviction is ongoing, but no bail application has been filed in the appeal proceedings.
The court acknowledged the report from jurisdictional police confirming the wedding on February 26, 2026, and a subsequent occasion for the newly-weds on March 1, 2026. The petitioner's counsel, Sri Aditya S K, highlighted the urgency and peculiarities of the situation, urging the court to permit the convict to attend the wedding event on March 1.
In response, the court noted the absence of any dispute regarding the wedding and the involvement of the Karnataka Legal Services Authority in representing the convict in his appeal. Given these factors, the court permitted the temporary release of Sri Chetan S on parole for three days, with the condition that he returns to prison by March 3, 2026. The parole is granted under the stipulations of the Karnataka Prisons and Correctional Services Manual, 2021, which requires the convict to mark his presence daily with the jurisdictional police to prevent any law and order issues.
This decision reflects the court's balanced approach in considering both the legal implications and the humane aspects of the convict's circumstances, allowing him a brief respite to partake in a significant family event.
Bottom Line:
Emergency parole granted to a convict for attending a family wedding event despite pending appeal against conviction, considering peculiarities of the case and subject to reasonable terms.
Statutory provision(s): Section 363 IPC, Karnataka Prisons and Correctional Services Manual, 2021
Smt. Geetha R v. State of Karnataka, (Karnataka) : Law Finder Doc id # 2860641
