Parole is a reformative measure aimed at allowing prisoners to maintain family and social ties
Himachal Pradesh High Court Grants Parole to Ranjeet Singh, Overruling District Authorities' Rejection. The Court emphasizes the reformative purpose of parole, granting a 28-day release to maintain family and social ties.
The Himachal Pradesh High Court, on September 25, 2025, granted parole to Ranjeet Singh, a convict under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The parole was initially rejected by District Authorities, who expressed concerns about potential criminal activities during the parole period. However, the High Court, presided by Justice Rakesh Kainthla, overruled this decision, emphasizing the importance of parole as a reformative measure.
Ranjeet Singh, convicted in 2014 and serving a four-year sentence, had applied for parole to meet family and maintain social ties. Despite satisfactory conduct in jail, his application was rejected due to apprehensions from local residents about potential narcotic activities. The rejection was based on recommendations from the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, which the High Court found to be irrelevant and lacking independent judgment.
Justice Kainthla highlighted the reformative purpose of parole, referencing several Supreme Court judgments, including Asfaq v. State of Rajasthan, which stress that parole should not be denied solely based on the nature of the offense. He emphasized that parole grants convicts the opportunity to reintegrate into society and solve personal and familial issues, provided their conduct in prison is satisfactory and they demonstrate a tendency to reform.
The Court ordered Ranjeet Singh's release for 28 days, subject to a personal bond and sureties, with conditions for good conduct during parole. It also directed the Probation Officer to supervise Singh's activities, ensuring adherence to the Court's directions.
This decision reinforces the judiciary's commitment to balancing societal safety with the reformation and rehabilitation of convicts, acknowledging their fundamental rights even while serving sentences.
Bottom Line:
Parole is a reformative measure aimed at allowing prisoners to maintain family and social ties, provided their conduct during incarceration has been satisfactory and they show a tendency to reform.
Statutory provision(s): Himachal Pradesh Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 1968 Section 3(2)(d), NDPS Act Section 20, Asfaq v. State of Rajasthan, Francis Coralie Mullin v. The Administrator, UT Delhi, Harbhajan Singh v. State of H.P.
Ranjeet Singh v. State of Himachal Pradesh, (Himachal Pradesh) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2784117
