Nainital, May 11 The Uttarakhand High Court on Monday directed the state government to provide, within a week, details of its policy regarding the release of life convicts who have completed their sentences.
A division bench of Justice Ravindra Maithani and Justice Sidharth Sah issued the direction while hearing a suo motu public interest litigation along with several petitions filed by prisoners.
The court fixed May 18 as the next date for the hearing.
The state government informed the bench that the jail administration had already released several prisoners following previous court orders.
It said some convicts involved in heinous offences continued to remain in custody, while in certain cases, prior approval of the state government was still required before their release could be considered.
Counsel appearing for the prisoners argued that several inmates remain incarcerated despite completing their sentences and existing orders from the Supreme Court and High Court. They contended that continued detention amounts to wilful disobedience of court orders and violates the constitutional rights of the prisoners.
The court heard that prisoners had allegedly submitted multiple representations to jail authorities seeking release, but no action was taken.
The Supreme Court had earlier directed all high courts to ensure compliance and facilitate the release of eligible prisoners across the country.
The high court initiated suo motu proceedings after a court-led inspection of prisons identified 167 inmates who remained in jail due to pending legal formalities despite finishing their terms.
While the government released some prisoners following court intervention, several others considered "doubtful" remain in custody.
