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 decl