GULAB SINGH Vs. STATE OF H.P.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner has filed the present petition for quashing the order dtd. 10/6/2025 (Annexure P-3), vide which the application for parole filed by the petitioner was rejected.

(2.) Briefly stated, the facts giving rise to the present petition are that the petitioner was convicted by learned Special Judge, Mandi for the commission of offences punishable under Ss. 20(b)(ii)(c) and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (in short 'the ND&PS Act') and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for 13 years, and pay fine of Rs.1,30,000.00 with default sentence. The petitioner has completed more than 03 years, 11 months and 06 days in jail on the date of issuance of the Custody Certificate (Annexure-P1).

(3.) The petition is opposed by filing a reply asserting that the petitioner had earlier applied for 42 days' parole. His application was sent to the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, Mandi, for their recommendation/verification. It was found that the petitioner is involved in the commission of a heinous offence and his release on parole would pose a significant threat to the society. Hence, the application was rejected. Parole is a privilege and not a right.