The Bombay High Court has taken a progressive step by granting parole to Vivek Shrivastav, a man serving a life sentence, so he can bid farewell to his son departing to Australia for further studies. In a landmark decision, the court underscored that parole should not be confined to grievous times but can also embrace celebratory moments.
Justices Bharati Dangre and Manjusha Deshpande, overseeing the case, emphasized that the intention behind parole and furlough is fundamentally humanistic, aiming to maintain convicts’ familial connections and mental well-being. “If parole can be granted to share grief, it should equally apply to sharing joyous milestones,” remarked Justice Dangre during the proceedings.
Shrivastav, convicted in a 2012 murder case, sought parole to manage financial preparations for his son’s education, including tuition and living expenses totaling Rs 36 lakh. Despite the prosecution’s argument that parole is typically reserved for emergencies, the court disagreed, recognizing the broader spectrum of emotional and familial needs.
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The bench highlighted the case’s unique nature, pointing out that attending his son’s farewell is not only a moment of pride but also a crucial parental duty to ensure his son’s future opportunities are not hindered.
