DHULA Vs. STATE OF RAJASTHAN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) this group of petitions, petitioners are life convicts on the charge of murder and they are undergoing imprisonment for life.

(2.) The common grievance of the petitioners is that inspite of the fact that their case have riped for premature release as they have undergone a sentence of more than 14 years, still their cases have not been considered by the Government under the provisions of Rajasthan Prisons (Shortening of Sentences) Rules, 1958 (hereinafter referred to as the "Rules 1958"). In another group of petitions the grievance voiced is that their case for premature release under the rules of 1958 has been refused by the Government on unsustainable grounds. It is submitted that concern State authorities have failed to discharge their statutory duty to implement the Enlightened Policy of premature release of a convict for life imprisonment.

(3.) With a view to deal with the grievance of the applicants it would be convenient to refer some of the provisions which have direct bearing on the question of premature release.