AJIT SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The crucial point for determination in this habeas corpus petition is, whether the instructions dated 6th August, 1971, issued by the Government of the State of Punjab relating to the premature release of a life convict are valid.

(2.) Ajit Singh, a convict under section 302, Indian Penal Code, who has been serving the sentence of life imprisonment since 7th June, 1975, has prayed for a direction to the Superintendent District Jail, Gurdaspur (respondent No.2) to submit his case through the Inspector General of Prisons, Punjab for his premature release by the State Government of Punjab (respondent No.1).

(3.) The relevant part of para 516- B of the Punjab Jail Manual is in the following terms: 516-B(l) With the exception of females and of males who were under 20 years of age at the time of commission of offence, the case of every convicted prisoner sentenced to: