Emergency leave for convicts is mandated under specific prison management rules, highlighting the need for timely consideration of applications.

J U D G M E N T

The petitioner is the wife of Mr.Shameer, who is undergoing imprisonment at the Open Prison and Correctional Home, Nettukaltheri, Thiruvananthapuram.

2. The convict's nephew's marriage is fixed on

30.11.2025, as evident from Ext.P1 invitation letter. Ext.P3 application has been submitted by the petitioner seeking emergency leave for the convict to attend the marriage. The grievance of the petitioner is that the said application has not been considered due to the declaration of the local body election. It is in these circumstances, the petitioner has approached this Court.

3. I have heard Sri.E.A.Haris, the learned counsel for the petitioner and Sri.Sangeetha Raj N.R., the learned Public Prosecutor.

4. The learned Public Prosecutor on instructions submits that the enquiry confirms that the convict's nephew's marriage is fixed on 30.11.2025. However, no action was taken on the application filed by the petitioner for emergency leave due to the issuance of the Election Model Conduct Rules. The convict is entitled to get emergency leave as per Rule 400(1)(ii) of the Kerala Prisons & Correctional Services (Management) Rules, 2014. Hence, the respondent No.2 is directed to grant emergency leave to the convict for five days w.e.f. 29.11.2025.

The writ petition is disposed of as above.