45 prisoners to be freed today

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 1

Under a special remission policy for specific categories of convicts, formulated to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Punjab Government will be releasing 45 such prisoners on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti tomorrow. Punjab Governor VP Badnore has granted his approval for the release of the prisoners.

The convicts have been classified into three categories.

The first being the male convicts of 60 years of age and above, who have completed 50 per cent of their actual sentence period. This does not include the period of general remissions earned by the convicts. A total of six convicts are being released under this category.

The second category is of those who have completed two-third (66 per cent) of their actual sentence period, without counting the period of general remission earned by them. Thirty eight convicts under this category are being released.

The third category is of women convicts of 55 years of age and above, who have completed 50 per cent of their actual sentence. The sole convict lodged in Central Jail, Bathinda, Lakhwinder Kaur is being released under this category.

Cooperation and Jail Minister Sukhjinder Randhawa said the state was working out details of certain categories of convicts who could be granted remittance as part of the 550th Parkash Purb celebrations of Guru Nanak.

The state has announced to release 550 prisoners on the occasion.