SANDEEP KUMAR Vs. STATE OF HARYANA AND ORS.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner has been sentenced to life for murder in Panchkula and has been presently lodged in District Jail, Rohtak. He wants parole to attend wedding/reception of his brother fixed for 04.10.2019. His application dated 20.08.2019 is pending before the District Magistrate, Rohtak, but no decision has been taken. He apprehends that his request will be turned down due to coming into force the Election Code of Conduct.

(2.) In the written statement filed by the State today in Court, it is revealed that the police authorities have verified that brother of the petitioner is due to be married on Friday i.e. 04.10.2019. The petitioner has availed the benefit of parole almost once every year starting from October, 2011 and has surrendered in time. He was granted parole 5 times for agricultural purposes and twice for house repairs. He has also availed furlough 6 times from 08.12.2012 and 19.06.2018. While availing furlough, he also surrendered in time. It is not the case of the State that conduct of the petitioner in jail is not good. The police has verified the fact that the wedding of the brother of the petitioner is fixed for 04.10.2019 at Venue Rear side of Neelam Marble, Raipur Rani Road, Matour ( Panchkula).

(3.) Learned counsel for the petitioner cites a decision of this Court in Hawa Singh Vs. State of Haryana, 2012 (2) R.C.R. (Criminal) 589, to contend that when Model Electoral Code of Conduct is applicable, Government can grant parole under the relevant provisions of the Act and the Rules and permission of the Chief Electoral Officer for release of a prisoner is not required. Only consultation is to be made before release of a prisoner on parole.