Gujarat Grants 15-Day Diwali Parole To 143 Eligible Prisoners

The Gujarat state government has approved 15 days of parole for 143 prisoners to celebrate the Diwali festival with their families. This grant is part of a long-standing policy that has been in effect since 2003, aimed at providing a humane break for eligible inmates during one of the country's most significant cultural celebrations. The decision reflects the state's approach to balancing security concerns with the rehabilitation and social reintegration of prisoners.

The parole benefit is not available to all inmates. It is specifically extended to eligible women prisoners and men who are aged 60 years or older. These criteria are designed to target individuals who are considered lower risk and for whom family support is a key factor in their well-being. By allowing these prisoners to return home temporarily, the administration hopes to strengthen family bonds and provide a sense of normalcy during the festive season.

For readers in India, this news highlights the evolving practices in the country's prison system, which increasingly incorporate elements of rehabilitation and social welfare. Such policies are often viewed as a positive step toward humanizing the correctional process. It also underscores the importance of cultural festivals in maintaining social cohesion, even within the confines of the justice system, and demonstrates how state governments can implement targeted measures to support vulnerable populations.