High Court Slams Parole Delay: Four-Month Deadline Set
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a landmark ruling, mandating that all parole applications must be decided within a strict four-month timeframe. The order, delivered on July 10, 2025, directly addresses the rampant delays plaguing the system.
The court sharply criticized the authorities for the inordinate delays, characterizing them as a blatant violation of prisoners’ fundamental rights and a reflection of bureaucratic apathy. Such delays, the judges noted, undermine the very purpose of parole.
Failure to comply with the four-month deadline without sufficient justification will invite contempt of court proceedings, the High Court warned. The court emphasized the importance of parole in maintaining family ties and facilitating the rehabilitation of convicts.
This significant ruling is expected to bring much-needed reform to the parole process, ensuring a fairer and more timely system for prisoners across Punjab and Haryana. The impact will be felt by countless families awaiting the release of their loved ones, highlighting the court’s commitment to upholding justice and human rights.
