Delhi’s Sentence Review Board (SRB) has decided to “free” 23 life convicts, who have spend over 14 years in jail or were sentenced to life. The Board has forwarded the recommendation for the release of these convicts, after a “thorough” review of their cases to lieutenant-Governor Anil Baijal.
The Board reviewed 46 cases of such convicts, out of which only 23 were considered for setting free while the other Board rejected the pleas of other lifers. The meeting in which the decision was taken recently was chaired by Delhi Home Minister Satyender Jain.
“The SRB is constituted as per the guidelines of the Supreme Court. It is a statutory body which is represented by members of various departments including a session judge, Home Secretary, Joint Commissioners from Delhi Police, probation officers…which makes its functioning absolutely independent,” Delhi Government Spokesperson Nagendra Sharma.
“The SRB had received petitions from 46 life convicts for their release. At the meeting, it was decided to recommend the release of 23 lifers, based on their good conduct,” he added.
The pleas were sent by 46 convicts and the 23 recommended to the Baijal for his approval could walk free with the lG being the final authority to give a nod to the decision.
Constituted in 2004, the SRB is chaired by the Delhi Home Minister. It decides on the pleas of convicts and other related issues. The board also has representatives of Tihar jail, Delhi Police and Home Department as its members.
The SRB examines the records of those who have spent 14 years in jail and those who were given lifers, after which it takes a call on whether these convicts still pose a threat to law-and-order.
“As per the Supreme Court’s directives, the SRB holds its meeting every six months where the members take a decision on releasing life convicts, who have spent 14 years in jail, based on their good conduct,” said the Government official.