Parole & Furlough
Parole & Furlough:
Convicted prisoners may be granted release under different provisions, subject to fulfilling the required criteria and conditions.
Parole
Parole is a conditional suspension of a sentence allowing a prisoner to attend to urgent domestic issues. Initially granted for 15 days, it may be extended up to 30 days based on the Government's decision. The period spent on parole is not counted as part of the sentence. Prisoners become eligible after serving 3 years and may be released based on reports from the Superintendent of Police and the District Probation Officer. A prisoner must wait at least six months after returning from a previous parole leave before applying again, except in exceptional cases. The Government is the sanctioning authority for parole.
Furlough
Furlough is a temporary release of 14 days granted as an incentive for good conduct. Prisoners serving more than five years are eligible after completing two years, while those with sentences under five years can avail furlough after one year. Prisoners in open prisons are granted furlough every year. The Director General of Prisons & Correctional Services is the sanctioning authority for furlough.
Emergency Police Escort Parole
This is a special release granted for 48 hours in cases of emergencies such as the death of a close family member (father, mother, brother, sister, spouse, or children). The Prison Superintendent is authorized to sanction this parole upon verification.