Release of Poor and Old Prisoners who have Completed their Jail Sentences and are still in Jail due to non-payment of fine imposed on them
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Release of Poor and Old Prisoners who have Completed their Jail Sentences and are still in Jail due to non-payment of fine imposed on them
* Reporter
Borivali : Dr. Yogesh Dube, Chairman of Bhartiya Vikas Sansthan and National Awardee had raised the issue regarding the release of very poor and old prisoners who have completed their jail sentences but who were not released due to their inability to pay the fine, with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Dr. Yogesh Dube has been fighting for the cause of the senior, old and ailing prisoners since a long time. He has been working hard to protect their human rights. It was completely improper and unjust to keep these very old and ailing prisoners in jail since they were not able to pay the fine. He also sought intervention of the Commission for survey of health conditions of the prisoners across all jails in India so as to frame a SOP for release of aged/infirm prisoners.
The NHRC took serious cognizance on his petition and registered Case No. 3461/24/1/2023. Notices were issued to the Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs Department of Home and also to the Director General of Prisons, Prison Headquarters, calling for an Action Taken Report on the issues raised by Dr. Yogesh Dube.
Now the Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs (GoI) has informed the NHRC that ....
The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued guidelines to all States/UTs on grant of “Special Remission” to certain categories of prisoners on the occasion of celebration of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, which includes the category of ‘Poor or indigent prisoners who have completed their sentence but are still in jail due to non-payment of fine imposed on them’. States/UTs have been advised to make use of this provision and provide relief to such prisoners in their jurisdictions.
The Central Government has also now finalised a scheme for providing financial support to poor prisoners, who are unable to pay the fine imposed on them and has shared it with the “States and UTs for providing relief to such prisoners.
Dr. Yogesh Dube, thanked the NHRC for its intervention and for ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their past, are treated with fairness and respect. “By supporting the release of elderly prisoners, you are sending a strong message about our society's willingness to embrace redemption and second chances. This approach not only reflects a deep understanding of human rights principles but also contributes to the overall well-being of our communities”. This will be a great message on humanity.
