EXTRAORDINARY
Published by Authority
CHANDIGARH, TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2021 (VAISAKHA 28, 1943 SAKA)
GOVERNMENT OF PUNJAB
DEPARTMENT OF JAILS
(Jails Branch)
NOTIFICATION
The 18th May, 2021
No. 11/79/2012-3J(1J)/794.-In partial modification of Government of Punjab, Department of Home (Jails) Notification No. 11/79/2014-4J/296 dated 24-12-2014 and in exercise of the powers conferred by the sub-section (4) of Section 3 of the Punjab Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release), Act 1962 (Punjab Act No. 11 of 1962), the Governor of Punjab is pleased to authorize the Superintendent of the concerned Jail, where the convict is detained, to exercise the powers of the State Government for temporary release of a prisoner on parole for causes related to Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) Pandemic under clause (d) of sub-section (1) of the aforesaid section as per the criteria and for such period as decided by the High Powered Committee constituted as per directions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India in Suo Motu Writ Petition (Civil) No.1/2020 In RE: CONTAGION OF COVID 19 VIRUS IN PRISONS. These powers shall remain in force till 31.08.2021.
2. Further, in exercise of the powers conferred by the sub section 2(A) of section 3 of the Punjab Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act 1962, the Governor of Punjab is further pleased to allow temporary release of prisoners lodged in Jails of Punjab, even beyond 16 weeks for the year 2021 in a manner as recommended by High Powered Committee. The condition for availing of parole on quarterly basis is also waived off for the year 2021.
3. These powers shall be exercised in accordance with the Act, Rules made there under and the guidelines issued by the State Government from time to time, and under the over-all supervision of the State Government and Additional Director General of Police (Prisons)-cum-Inspector General of Jails.
4. ADGP (Prisons), Punjab will ensure that parole applications are disposed of by the concerned Superintendent Jail without any delay as per the criteria decided by the High Powered Committee.
D.K. TIWARI,
Principal Secretary to Govt. of Punjab,
Department of Jails.