Rajasthan High Court Allows Premature Release of Convict Who Killed Mother After Completing Over 14 Years in Jail

The Rajasthan High Court ordered the premature release of a life convict who killed his mother in 2007, holding that he had served the mandatory minimum sentence and was entitled to remission under state guidelines. The convict, sentenced under Section 302 IPC, had completed more than 14 years of actual imprisonment, with his total sentence including remission exceeding 18 years. The State Government’s rejection of his premature release application was based on the heinous nature of the crime and opposition by the District Magistrate, who stressed moral considerations. The High Court observed that while matricide is a grave act, remission policy requires an objective application of rules and not moral disapproval. It noted that the convict’s conduct in jail had been satisfactory, with no reports of indiscipline, and emphasized that reform and rehabilitation are central to penology. The Court clarified that remission does not absolve guilt but acknowledges rehabilitation prospects. Holding that statutory requirements were met, it directed the State to release the petitioner, ensuring compliance within a stipulated period.