The Supreme Court of India has issued a stern warning to officials in the office of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for contempt, demanding the names of those who reportedly declined to process remission files for convicted prisoners. This directive comes amidst allegations that the model code of conduct was improperly cited to stall these proceedings.
Remission, which involves the reduction or cancellation of a prisoner’s sentence, is governed under Section 432 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). It permits state governments to adjust sentences based on criteria such as conduct, health, rehabilitation efforts, and time served.
A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih expressed significant displeasure over the delays in processing the remission pleas, despite clear directives from the court. The bench has specifically ordered Rajesh Kumar Singh, the principal secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Prison Administration Department, to submit a detailed affidavit by August 14, naming the officials responsible and outlining the steps takenโor not takenโto adhere to the court’s previous orders.
In an unsettling revelation, the bench highlighted the case of a convict named Kuldeep, whose plea for remission has lingered unaddressed, stating, “As of today, no decision has been made by the state government regarding Kuldeepโs plea, which is alarming.”
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Justice Oka sharply criticized the lack of compliance with the court’s orders, which he noted directly impacts human liberty. “The state’s disregard for timely processing these cases undercuts the essence of our justice system,” he remarked, questioning the accountability of the state in compensating for such delays.
The case is set for further hearing on August 20, where the court expects a comprehensive response from the Uttar Pradesh government.
