In a compassionate ruling that underscored the power of love even in the face of adversity, the Kerala High Court on Friday granted 15 days’ parole to a murder convict so he can marry his fiancée, who chose to stand by him despite his life sentence.
Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan allowed the parole plea moved on behalf of convict Prasanth by his mother, enabling him to solemnise the marriage on July 13. The court directed that he be released on July 12 and return to the Viyyur prison by 4 p.m. on July 26.
The convict had earlier been denied parole by the prison superintendent, prompting the petition before the High Court.
Taking a humane approach, the court said it was viewing the case from the perspective of the woman who remained steadfast in her love despite the conviction. “Even after the convict was sentenced to undergo life imprisonment, her love continues,” the judge observed.
Quoting Maya Angelou, Justice Kunhikrishnan said, “Love recognises no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” He further noted, “This court cannot neglect the brave stand of that girl who is ready to marry the convict… I am exercising my extraordinary jurisdiction to grant parole to the convict for a period of 15 days.”
The plea mentioned that the marriage had been arranged before Prasanth’s conviction and that the fiancée never wavered in her commitment. The court acknowledged this with a blessing: “Let that girl be happy and this court shower all blessings upon her.”
