Parole cannot be denied based on mere likelihood of committing a crime, and the release should not be refused on mere generalization without specific evidence of endangering the security of the State or maintenance of public order.

JUDGMENT

Harnaresh Singh Gill, J. (Oral) - Reply by way of short affidavit of the Superintendent, Central Jail, Patiala, has been filed through e-mail. Print out of the same is taken on record.

2. The present criminal writ petition has been filed under Article 226 of the Constitution for issuance of a writ in the nature of mandamus directing the respondents to release the petitioner on parole for a period of eight weeks, enabling her to perform the last rites of her husband and to look after her family.

3. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that vide judgment of conviction and order of sentence dated 25.09.2019 passed by the learned Judge, Special Court, Patiala, in FIR No.124 dated 30.12.2016, under Section 21 NDPS Act, registered at Police Station Lahori Gate, District Patiala, the petitioner was convicted and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of ten years. Being dissatisfied with the said judgment, the petitioner preferred an appeal, bearing No.CRA-S-3280-2019, before this Court and the same is pending adjudication. During her confinement in the jail, her husband expired on 03.10.2020. It is further contended that parole of the petitioner has been declined on the ground that there are other FIRs pending or registered against her. In support of his contentions, the learned counsel relied upon a judgment dated 07.01.2020 passed by a Coordinate Bench in CRWP No.2156 of 2019, titled as 'Jeet Singh vs. State of Punjab and others'.

4. Per contra, the learned State counsel opposes the prayer made in the present petition and submits that there are many cases pending or registered against the petitioner and if released on parole, the possibility of her again engaging herself in the criminal activities, cannot be ruled out.

5. I have heard the learned counsel for the parties.

6. The temporary release of prisoner for good conduct is governed by the Punjab Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary) Release Act, 1962 (hereinafter referred to as "1962 Act"). The only embargo upon the release of the prisoner is Lald down in Section 6 of the 1962 Act, which is reproduced as under:-

"[6. Cases where consultation with District Magistrate not necessary or where prisoners are not to be released.

-Notwithstanding anything contained in sections 3 and 4, (i) it shall not be necessary to consult the District Magistrate where the State Government is satisfied that the prisoner maintained good conduct during the period of his earlier release under any of the aforesaid sections; and

(ii) no prisoner shall be entitled to be released under this Act, if on the report of the District Magistrate, where consultation with him is necessary, the State Government or an officer authorised by it in this behalf is satisfied that his release is likely to endanger the security of the State or maintenance of public order".

7. Section 6 of 1962 Act, came up for consideration before a Division Bench of this Court in Jassa Sitish @ Jassa Vs. State of Punjab 2016(5) RCR (Criminal) 522. After noticing the provision, the Division Bench held as under:-

"7. In terms of the above Section 6 (ii) of the Act, a prisoner is not entitled to be released under the Act, if on the report of the District Magistrate, where consultation with him is necessary the State Government or an officer authorised by it in this behalf is satisfied that his release is likely to endanger the security of the State or maintenance of public order. Temporary release of a prisoner on parole or furlough as the case may be can be denied if his release is likely to endanger the security of the State or the maintenance of public order. For reaching satisfaction of danger to the security of the State or the maintenance of public order there has to be material before the District Magistrate, for consideration as to whether the release of a prisoner would be a threat to either or both of them. Parole cannot be denied and in fact is not liable to be denied on mere generalization by recording that gene