Court directs authorities to establish guidelines for tracking parolees to prevent future evasion and misuse.
In a landmark decision, the Telangana High Court has dismissed a writ petition filed by Sandela Charamma challenging the punishment imposed on her husband, Sandula Veerana, for overstaying parole by 40 years. The petitioner argued that the punishment of forfeiture of remission and denial of parole for three years was illegal and violated the principles of natural justice. However, the court found no merit in these claims and upheld the punishment, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to parole conditions.
The case arose when Sandula Veerana, a convict serving a life sentence, was released on parole in 1983 but failed to return to prison at the end of the parole period. For 40 years, he evaded arrest and even secured a government job under false pretenses. It was only in 2024 that a Special Task Force apprehended him. The authorities imposed a punishment of forfeiture of 27 days of remission and denial of parole for three years.
Justice Smt. Tangirala Madhavi Devi, presiding over the case, highlighted the convict’s intentional evasion of arrest and fraudulent behavior in securing employment. The court rejected the petitioner's argument that medical ailments warranted parole, noting the availability of adequate medical facilities within the prison.
The court also took this opportunity to direct the state authorities to formulate guidelines and establish mechanisms to effectively track prisoners on parole. This directive aims to prevent similar instances of parole evasion in the future and ensure compliance with parole conditions.
Bottom Line :
Parole - Prisoner overstaying parole for 40 years, engaging in deception, and securing a government job - Punishment of forfeiture of remission and denial of parole for three years upheld - No violation of principles of natural justice or Telangana Prison Rules - Directions issued to authorities to frame guidelines for tracking prisoners on parole.
Statutory provision(s): Telangana Prison Rules, 1979 - Rule 973, Rule 974, Andhra Pradesh Prison Rules, 1979, Telangana Prisoners Release on Parole Rules, 1981, Indian Penal Code Sections 148, 302 r/w 149.
Sandela Charamma v. State of Telangana, (Telangana) : Law Finder Doc id # 2966587
