The list was supposed to be sent to the Governor's office for his nod
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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the Governor seeking clarifications on the cabinet decision to grant remission ranging from one month to one year to prisoners, the government is learnt to have kept the move in abeyance fearing further embarrassment.
Home department sources said that the recommendation for commutation to prisoners serving sentence for more than 14 years would be sent to the Governor only after referring the matter to the Prison Advisory Boards.
Sources said that the government had initially prepared a list of about 125 prisoners who had served jail term for more than 14 years and are suffering from health issues.
The list was supposed to be sent to the Governor's office for his nod. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala had even announced at a public function in Cheemeni open prison earlier this month that a decision on freeing those undergoing imprisonment for more than 14 years would be taken soon.
However, as the Governor's office sought clarification on the cabinet decision to grant general remission, the government has decided not to send the list of prisoners to be given commutation.
“Granting commutation is the government’s prerogative and generally it need not be sent to the Prison Advisory Boards,” a prison department official said.
Meanwhile, the Home Minister told DC that the clarifications sought by the Governor would be given soon. Sources at the Governor's office said that a further decision on the matter would be taken after getting the clarification.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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