HC direction to collector on premature release of life convict

The Madras High Court today directed the Chennai District Collector to send, within ten days from the date of receipt of its order, his recommendation on premature release of a life convict whose kidneys have stopped functioning.
"Admittedly the health condition of the detenu is not satisfactory and two kidneys have failed. The Joint Director of Probationary Department has recommended for the premature release of the detenu. We find that the file is pending before the District Collector, Chennai," a Division Bench comprising of Justice S Rajeswaran and Justice P N Prakash, said, passing orders on a habeas corpus petition filed by an advocate, also Director of Prisoners Rights Forum.

On receipt of the above recommendation from the Collector, the Secretary, Home (Prohibition and Excise Department), is directed to consider the release of the detenu within ten days as per the Prison Rules of 1983.
Convict Thirumurugan, lodged in the Central Prison at Cuddalore, has been imprisoned for more than 10 years and as per the opinion of prison doctors, he will survive only a few days.
He was transferred from Cuddalore Prison to Puzhal Prison at Chennai and he sent a representation on March 24, 2012, seeking release on medical grounds.
However, the file with regard to his premature release was pending with the Chennai Collector.