Rajasthan High Court Grants Third Parole Despite Earlier Open-Camp Absence

The Rajasthan High Court granted a convict third regular parole despite an earlier unauthorised absence during a night inspection at an open-air prison camp.

Background and legal issue

The District Parole Advisory Committee had rejected the application because the incident led to the convict’s return to ordinary prison. The Court considered his lengthy incarceration, satisfactory conduct on two earlier paroles and timely surrender after both releases.

Legal reasoning and context

Justices Vinit Kumar Mathur and Chandra Shekhar Sharma also considered favourable probation and welfare reports. They found that the earlier incident did not justify overlooking the full record of conduct and recommendations.

Legal effect and next step

The rejection was set aside and parole allowed on personal and surety conditions. Prison authorities may impose reasonable additional safeguards to secure return after the parole period.