HC quashes ex-LDF govt order releasing 209 prisoners in 2011

The Kerala High Court Friday quashed an order issued by the then LDF government in 2011, releasing 209 prisoners prematurely, before the expiry of

their jail term.

A full bench of the high court headed by Chief Justice Hrishikesh Roy, however, directed the governor to examine the details of the released prisoners within six months and if anyone is found ineligible for early release, take appropriate steps to ensure their completion of jail term.

The order was issued on a plea filed by a prisoner's wife, who was aggrieved by her husband's case not being considered for the benefit of remission of sentence or grant of pardon, while granting such benefit to other prisoners.

In her plea, she had referred to the premature release of 209 prisoners. All of them were convicted for offences under the Indian Penal Code Section 302 (murder), and in some cases for other offences also in purported exercise of the power under Article 161 of the Constitution (power of governor to grant pardons).

The