SC gives parole to Punjab businessman Jagjit Singh Chahal

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 16

The Supreme Court, on Tuesday, extended the parole granted to Punjab businessman Jagjit Singh Chahal in view of worsening COVID-19 situation.

“It doesn’t make sense to send someone back to an overcrowded jail when he can be out on parole,” a Bench headed by Justice RF Nariman said.

The Bench, which perused the affidavit filed by Punjab government, took note of the fact that Chahal had been on parole since February 19 this year and his appeal against conviction in a criminal case was coming up for hearing on July 16.

“The parole is to continue until the appeal is heard and finally decided provided that the petitioner cooperates and does not ask for any adjournment on any ground when the appeal comes up for hearing,” it ordered.

During the hearing on Chahal’s parole plea, the Bench said the COVID-19 situation wasn’t getting any better with each passing day but only getting only worse.”

Chahal, who is also an accused in the Jagdish Bhola drug racket case, had moved the Supreme Court seeking an extension of his parole.

The Supreme Court, in May, had issued notice to the Punjab government asking it to respond to his petition.