Crl. Misc. No.M-22742 of 2011 -1- IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH Crl. Misc. No.M-22742 of 2011 Date of Decision : 28th July, 2011 Bimal Kumar .... Petitioner Versus State of Punjab & others .... Respondents CORAM : HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE L. N. MITTAL. Present: Mr. S. S. Rana, Advocate for the petitioner. * * * * L.N.MITTAL, J. (ORAL) Grievance of petitioner Bimal Kumar in the instant petition filed under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure is that his case for premature release as per instructions of the Government is not being decided, although the same was recommended by District Magistrate, Ludhiana vide letter dated 11.10.2010 and was thereafter recommended by Director General, Prisons (respondent No.2) vide letter dated 14.03.2011. Notice of motion. At the asking of the Court, Mr. Shilesh Gupta, Deputy Advocate General, Punjab accepts notice. Three copies of the petition be given to the State counsel during the course of the day. Heard. File perused. Cases for premature release of convicts in accordance with Crl. Misc. No.M-22742 of 2011 -2- own instructions of the Government should not linger on for long because they affect the liberty of the convicts. Such cases should not be blocked by hurdle of red-tapism. In the instant case, District Magistrate, Ludhiana allegedly recommended the case of the petitioner for premature release vide letter dated 11.10.2010 i.e. more than nine and half months ago and even Director General, Prisons allegedly recommend the petitioner's case vide letter dated 14.03.2011 i.e. four and half months ago. However, the case has not yet been finally decided, necessitating the filing of the instant petition. Cases of premature release of convicts should receive prompt attention and consideration of the concerned authorities, but it appears that such cases are not receiving the prompt attention they deserve. In view of the aforesaid, Chief Secretary, Punjab is requested to lay down some time frame, preferably of not more than three or four months, for finalization of such cases. A copy of this order be sent to the Chief Secretary, Punjab for necessary action. The instant petition is disposed of by directing the respondents to finally decide the petitioner's case for premature release in accordance with law within one month of the date of receipt of certified copy of this order. It is expressly made clear that I have not expressed any opinion regarding merits of the claim of the petitioner for premature release. ( L. N. MITTAL ) JUDGE 28th July, 2011 'raj'