Punjab reconsiders policy on premature release of rape convicts

Arora had filed a petition seeking quashing of a circular dated August 8, 2011 providing remission to life convicts, particularly those convicted of rape.

The Superintendent in the Department of Home Affairs and Justice (Home-7 Branch), Punjab Government has informed the lawyer through a letter dated January 17 that action is being taken for amendment of the policy, and after a decision is taken, a copy of the amended policy will also be supplied to Arora.

Arora had not only filed the petition, but had also sent a separate demand notice to the Punjab Governance Reforms Commission for making appropriate recommendations to the state.

The information sent to Arora by the Punjab government read, “It is to inform you that the matter regarding amendment of the policy issued by government on August 8, 2011 is already under consideration, and after taking decision, the requisite amendment shall be made in the aforesaid policy and a copy thereof shall also be sent to you for information.”

The High Court had clubbed this petition with a case wherein Chief Justice Arjan Kumar Sikri had taken suo motu notice of a Patiala rape-suicide case. The High Court had issued the notice to the state for January 22.

Man

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