Satender Alias Gajender v. State of NCT of Delhi
Furlough – Life convict having undergone more than 15 years of incarceration
Case brief
What is this about?
Delhi High Court (Jasmeet Singh, J., 13.02.2025) in W.P.(CRL) 512/2025, Satender alias Gajender v. State of NCT of Delhi: writ petition seeking 3 weeks' furlough allowed despite rejection of earlier furlough application dated 27.11.2024 for surrendering 15 days late; petitioner a life convict with over 15 years undergone; furlough held to be a right; balancing of convict's and society's interests; Atbir (2022) 13 SCC 96 and Asfaq (2017) 15 SCC 55 relied on; conditions included Rs. 10,000 personal bond with one local surety.
What did the court decide?
Furlough for 3 weeks to maintain social ties and re-establish ties with the family, subject to conditions: personal bond of Rs. 10,000/- with 01 local surety in the like amount to the satisfaction of the Jail Superintendent; furnishing an active cellphone number to the IO; not leaving the country without permission and surrendering passport (if any) to the trial court; furnishing permanent address to the IO and informing of any change; abstaining from unlawful acts; and surrendering after expiry of the 3-week furlough.