Male convicts released were all aged 60 or above, while the two women were aged above 50. None of them were involved in heinous acts.
Published Jan 28, 2023 | 4:37 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 28, 2023 | 7:12 PM
the released convicts from Vellore Central Prisons
Remission was granted to 60 convicts lodged in various central prisons in Tamil Nadu as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations on Saturday, 28 January.
As part of commemorating India’s 75th Independence anniversary, the Union government had decided to grant special remission to certain categories of prisoners and release them in three phases: on 15 August 2022 (75 years of Independence), 26 January 2023 (Republic Day) and 15 August 2023.
Detailed guidelines for granting special remission to prisoners have been issued to the States/Union Territories (UTs) in this regard.
In the second phase, 60 prisoners, including two women, were released on Saturday from the seven central prisons.
Before their release, counselling sessions were held for them and their family members to facilitate their rehabilitation in society. Orientation/lecture sessions, too, were organised.
Twelve convicts each were released from Coimbatore and Cuddalore central prisons, 11 from Puzhal. nine each from Vellore and Tiruchy, four from Palayamkottai, and one from Madurai.
Two women, one from Puzhal and another from Coimbatore, were also freed.
The released women were aged 50 and above, and the men were all aged 60 and above. They were not involved in any heinous crimes and have already served 66 percent of their jail term.
Director General of Prisons Amaraesh Pujari said the released prisoners were provided sweets and groceries as a goodwill gesture and assistance to start a livelihood with the help of NGOs.
In June 2022, the Union Home Ministry issued guidelines to states, saying that the prisoners eligible for remission should have consistently maintained good conduct during their term in prison.
Further, the prisoners on death row or the same commuted to life; a lesser sentence in an offence that also carries the death sentence; guilty of rape or child sex abuse; sentenced for acts of terrorism; offences against the state and in counterfeit currency cases; convicted for dowry deaths; human trafficking; money laundering charges; convicted for drug offences or under weapons of mass destruction laws and found guilty of corruption were not eligible for remission.
