As a goodwill gesture on the occasion of the 70th Independence Day, Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Sunday recommended the remission of prison sentences of up to one year for convicted prisoners undergoing imprisonment in jails in the state.
The Chief Minister’s recommendation for the remission was accepted and approved on late Sunday evening by Punjab Governor VP Singh Badnore, who is vested with the powers to grant such remissions under the provisions of Article 161 of the Indian Constitution.
“Remission of one year would be granted to the prisoners who had been awarded imprisonment from 10 to 20 years. likewise, remission of nine months would be given to those with sentences of seven to 10 years and six months to those incarcerated for a term of five to seven years,” said a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office.
Spokesperson added that the prisoners, with sentences of three to five years would be given a remission of three months. Those with a conviction of less than three years would be entitled for a remission of two months, the spokesperson said.
These remissions would be, however, not be granted to a person convicted in heinous crimes, the spokesperson clarified.