The Delhi High Court has directed the government to establish Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to address delays in complying with court orders on parole and furlough applications. Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani, in response to a petition highlighting delays in parole processing, emphasized the need for officials to identify and resolve bottlenecks causing delays. The court stressed the importance of prompt compliance with court orders and instructed the Principal Secretary (Home) to ensure timely adherence.
The court acknowledged delays attributed to internal administrative procedures by the Jail Superintendent and the Home Department. Expressing dissatisfaction over repeated non-compliance with timelines for urgent parole and furlough matters, the court directed the formulation of SOPs for efficient communication and compliance with court orders. The petitioner was granted four weeks’ parole due to the death of his elder brother, with specific conditions imposed by the court.
In light of the co-convict surrendering to custody, the court granted parole to the petitioner, subject to conditions such as a personal bond of Rs 20,000, weekly reporting to the police, and surrendering at the end of the parole period. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on May 4 to ensure compliance with the directives issued to the Principal Secretary (Home).
