release of the convicts and 633 applications were allowed by the State Government, while 739 applications were rejected. 588 life convicts have been prematurely released while 45 applications were returned for queries. We are cautious of the extent of pending cases on different aspects in Uttar Pradesh, but we express some concern about 739 applications being rejected, which is a large number and express an apprehension on whether the policy of 28.7.2021, which has added a condition of minimum 60 years before release, was an impediment. Ms.Garima Prashad, learned AAG submits that it was not pointed out to the Court in W.P.(Crl) No.398 of 2021 that in view of reservations expressed in different matters on this aspect, the bar of 60 years stands withdrawn. She also makes a submission that an endeavour has been made to streamline the process so that the needful be done within a period 90 days from the inception of clearance and seven occasions have been identified when prisoners would be released. These are Republic day (26th January), Women’s day (8th March), World Health Day (7th April), Labour Day (1st May), Yoga Day (21st June), Independence Day (15th August) and Gandhi Jayanti (2nd October). In this behalf, we would like to observe that insofar as the first half of he year is concerned, there are five occasions identified for release of prisoners but in the second half only two occasions have been identified. We desire the state Government to identify at least three more significant days for release of prisoners in the second half of the year .”
