Amend laws to prevent parole misuse

Legally, Sharma's parole is not a violation. Rather, it's a loophole that helps the rich and the famous to manipulate a system that was conceived some 200 years ago
Akash Bisht Delhi Hardnews

A recent brawl in a Delhi pub involving Manu Sharma, convicted in Jessica Lal's murder, has put the spotlight on paroles and who gets them.

Several senior lawyers have argued that there is nothing wrong with Sharma visiting a pub while on parole. Some have raised objection to the grounds on which parole is granted. By and large, most have supported it. The question is whether every individual locked in jails across India gets a parole to visit their parents, brothers, wives or children. What about the 70 per cent of prisoners who are rotting in these jails as undertrials? Why aren't they given a chance to reform themselves?

Reportedly, till September 15, 2009, the Delhi government had granted parole to only 11 out of 132 applicants. In fact, the Delhi government sought approval from the Chandigarh police when the Delhi police objected to Sharma's parole. Some of the rich and famous who had got a parole this year include Vikas Yadav, Sharda Jain and RK Sharma (who was let out on interim bail). Every convict is entitled to parole and can apply for a two-month period every year to renew family ties in a bid to reform.

But Manu Sharma was found partying in pubs and getting involved in a brawl in New Delhi while on parole. His parole had been extended for flimsiest of reasons. Sharma has a history of violent behaviour in public places. He had created a ruckus when he was granted bail in 2001. He had then picked a fight at his pub in Chandigarh.

Yet, the Delhi government including Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit defended Sharma's parole in spite of objections raised by the Delhi Police. The Delhi CM had earlier said, "Everything was done according to rules. Whatever has taken place is under the provisions of law. The decision was taken by a committee that included the jail superintendent, the home secretary, the Delhi government, the Delhi Police and the Lt governor." The Delhi police denied these claims and maintained that they had nothing to do with Sharma's parole.

However, the CM after immense media pressure retracted the next day and said that she will look into the case and will investigate why parole was given to Sharma.

Is the government waiting for a repeat of Jessica Lal episode? The Delhi government should answer why Sharma, with a history of violent behaviour, could be let out on parole. Did the state government have any interest in Sharma's business interest? This should be probed. The opposition should ask the government for answers.

Legally, Sharma's parole is not a violation. Rather, it's a loophole that helps the rich and the famous to manipulate a system that was conceived some 200 years ago. It's time that certain laws are revisited and amended before another Jessica Lal gets killed.