Civil

Cabinet approves Special Remission Scheme for prisoners

18.07.2018

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister grants Special Remission to Prisoners as part of Commemoration of 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The eligible prisoners, who are undergoing sentence in various jails across the nation will be considered for special remission and released in three phases. In Phase-l, the prisoners will be released on 2nd October, 2018 (Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi), in Phase-ll prisoners will be released on 10th April, 2019 (Anniversary of Champaran Satyagrah) and in Phase-Ill, prisoners will be released on 2nd October 2019 (Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi).

As per the slabs, women convicts of 55 years of age and above, who have completed 50% of their actual sentence period would be released. Transgender convicts of 55 years of age and above, who have completed 50% of their actual sentence period. Male convicts of 60 years of age and above, who have completed 50% of their actual sentence period would be considered. Physically challenged/disabled convicts with 70% disability and more who have completed 50% of their actual sentence period; Terminally ill convicts. Convicted prisoners who have completed two-third (66%) of their actual sentence period would be released.

However, special remission will not be given to prisoners who have been convicted for an offence for which the sentence is sentence of death or where death sentence has been commuted to life imprisonment. Further, convicts involved in serious and heinous crimes like Dowry death, Rape, Human Trafficking and convicted under POTA, UAPA, TADA, FICN, POCSO Act, Money Laundering, FEMA, NDPS, Prevention of Corruption Act, etc. would also not entitled for the benefits under special remission. Ministry of Home Affairs will issue advisory to all States and UTs asking them to process the cases of eligible prisoners. State Governments and UT Administrations will be advised to constitute a Committee to examine the cases. Accordingly, Recommendations of the Committee would be placed before Governor for consideration and approval under Article 161 of the Constitution. After the approval, the prisoners will be released on 2nd October 2018, 10f/l April, 2019 and 2nd October, 2019.

Tags : Prisoners Remission Scheme Approval

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