Indian Legal News: Over 92,000 Undertrial Prisoners Released
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The undertrial prisoners are set to be released because it is believed that the petty offences they committed can be settled by warning or probation in the respective courts.
The Indian government’s decision to decongest Indian jails began implementation with the release of 92, 000 undertrial prisoners, mostly charged with petty offences, in April 2010. For these prisoners, it marked the regaining of right to life and liberty provided under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
According to the law ministry, there were more than 300,000 undertrial prisoners in different Indian jails at the beginning of 2010. A whooping 70% of the Indian jail population comprises undertrial prisoners; hence, their release is a major step in relieving congestion in Indian jails. While more than 92,000 undertrials have already been released, another 110,000 prisoners is expected to be released, through bail or discharge, by July end.
Indian Legal News: National Mission for Delivery of Justice and Legal Reforms
The release of the 92,000 undertrials has been a part of the “mission-mode programme” initiated on January 26, 2010. The undertrials set to be released by July end is a part of extension of the effectiveness of this program. It is believed that the petty offences of these undertrials can be settled through warning or probation by the respective courts.
Indian Legal News: State-wise Undertrial Prisoners Release Numbers
The state-wise distribution of undertrial prisoners released in April in the decreasing order:
- Uttar Pradesh with the maximum release - 29,009
- Andhra Pradesh - 9,116
- Delhi - 8,701
- Orissa - 8,566
- Maharashtra - 7,252
- Punjab - 3,219
- Gujarat - 3,101
- Haryana - 2,169
- Kerala - 2,334
- Karnataka - 1,081
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