Mysuru: In what could be the end of their long wait for freedom, 26 convicts at the Mysuru Central Prison have been recommended for release for their good conduct.Based on approval by the advisory board, Mysuru Central Prison authorities have recommended the release of 26 convicts on good conduct this Republic day. The authorities at the central prison here prepared the list of 26 inmates eligible for release for good conduct under the new guidelines framed by the department of law. Only convicts who have served 14 years including the period of detention are eligible. During the last Independence day celebration 52 convicts including 17 women were released on good conduct.

Divyashree, Superintendent of Mysuru Central Prison said “Among the convicts at Mysuru Central Prison, the advisory committee found 26 convicts are eligible for release on good conduct, the same was sent to government for its consideration. In a day or two we may get the list who will be released on the occasion of Republic Day on January 26. All the 26 convicts whose names are sent for release on good conduct are men”. There are nearly 927 prisoners including 51 women who are housed at Mysuru Central Prison. Among them 513 are undergoing life imprisonments for various offences including murder and rape.

With the recommendation of advisory committee, the governor has the power to release convicts on good conduct under CrPC 161. The advisory board, headed by inspector general of police, comprises district surgeon, chief jail superintendent, police commissioner and session judge.

What are the parameters for release of good conduct: The parameters for the release on good conduct are the convicts should have shown good conduct including should not have made attempts to escape on parole, good behavior with both jail authorities and fellow prisoners, amount of wages earned while serving the term.