The High Court has the discretion under Article 226 to grant temporary escort parole to a convict for the purpose of visiting ailing family members, provided such relief is reasonable and compliant with prior judicial guidance.

JUDGMENT

The petitioner, who is the Convict No.322 of the High Security Prison, Viyyur, Thrissur, has filed this writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for a direction to the second respondent to grant escort parole for one day to him, to visit his ailing parents.

2. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Public Prosecutor representing the State of Kerala.

3. As per order dated 07.03.2025 in W.P.(Crl.)No.271/2025, this Court had directed the second respondent to grant escort parole for one day, to enable the petitioner herein to visit his aged old parents. Accordingly, the petitioner is said to have visited his parents last year.

Now, after one year, he craves to have such an opportunity once more.

4. Having regard to the nature of the relief prayed for by the petitioner, I deem it appropriate to allow this writ petition as follows:-

The second respondent is directed to arrange escort parole to the petitioner for one day, to enable him to visit his house and to see his ailing parents. The direction in this regard shall be complied, within a period of three weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment. sd/