Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed officials to draft stringent rules to deny parole to individuals convicted of sexual offences, including those convicted under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. This decision follows public outcry over the recent release on parole of a convicted rapist, who was subsequently accused of attempting to re-offend.
The proposed rules aim to amend existing guidelines to make it significantly harder for such convicts to secure temporary release. Currently, parole is granted based on factors like good behaviour, family emergencies, and completion of a certain prison term. The new guidelines will likely prioritize the severity of the crime and the potential risk of re-offending as primary considerations, effectively overriding other factors for sexual offence convicts.
The government is considering a complete ban on parole for those convicted of serious sexual crimes, particularly those involving minors. Alternatively, extremely strict conditions, including intensive monitoring and GPS tracking, are being explored if parole is considered at all.
The Home Department has been tasked with preparing the draft amendment, which will be reviewed by a committee of legal experts before being finalized. The government intends to present the amended rules to the Bombay High Court for approval, ensuring legal validity and addressing potential challenges.
This move reflects growing public concern regarding the safety of women and children and a demand for stricter measures against sexual offenders. The government acknowledges the need to balance the rights of prisoners with the safety and security of the public. The case that triggered this action involved a man convicted of rape who, while on parole to attend his mother’s funeral, allegedly attempted to sexually assault a minor girl. This incident highlighted loopholes in the existing parole system and prompted immediate action from the state government. The revised rules are expected to be implemented swiftly following court approval.
