ORDER :

1. These writ petitions are filed by the near relatives of the life convicts against whom convictions are recorded and sentenced to undergo imprisonment for life. To appreciate the lis in the matter, facts in W.P. No. 21783 of 2018 are adverted to as it includes the cause in other cases.

2. The grievance of the petitioners is that the convicts in question have undergone the sentence of imprisonment for more than 10 years and they are entitled for grant of special remission in the light of the guidelines issued in G.O.Ms. No. 8, Home (Paroles) Department, dated 23-01-2018, but the cases of the convicts, whose release is being sought by the petitioners, have not been considered, reasons not being disclosed, for grant of special remission and their release from jails. Hence, these writ petitions.

3. Heard learned counsel for the petitioners and the learned Government Pleader for Home. Perused the record produced in the matter.

4. It is canvassed by the learned counsel for the petitioners that the Government vide G.O.Ms. No. 8, Home (Paroles) Department, dated 23-01-2018, devised guidelines for grant of special remission to the life convict prisoners on the occasion of the Republic