The Gujarat High Court on Monday took a closer look at how the state is implementing prisoner remission and premature release policies, acting on directions issued earlier by the Supreme Court. The bench made it clear that compliance on paper is not enough and sought official records to independently verify the State’s claims.
The matter came up before a division bench monitoring the execution of nationwide guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court on remission policies.
Read also:- Supreme Court Orders ₹3.99 Lakh Stamp Refund, Closes Contempt Against Agra Development Authority
Background of the Case
The proceedings arise out of a suo motu public interest litigation, initiated to supervise whether States are faithfully following Supreme Court rulings on remission and premature release of convicts. These guidelines were framed to ensure fairness, uniformity, and transparency in decisions affecting prisoners’ liberty.
The Gujarat High Court constituted a special bench to oversee this sensitive issue, given its direct impact on fundamental rights and criminal justice administration.
Court Proceedings and Submissions
During the hearing, the bench heard submissions from State law officers and government representatives. The State informed the court that Gujarat has fully complied with all directives issued by the Supreme Court from time to time regarding remission and premature release.
However, the court did not stop at oral assurances.
“The bench has been constituted to monitor and supervise the implementation of the remission and premature release policies of the respective States,” the court observed while recording the State’s submissions.
Court’s Observation
The judges noted that while the State claimed full compliance, it was necessary to examine both the existing policies and the actual compliance reports placed before the authorities.
The bench specifically referred to Supreme Court judgments that required States to share compliance reports with the appointed amicus curiae, ensuring independent oversight.
To verify this, the court asked the Gujarat government to place all relevant documents on record.
Read also:- Supreme Court Restores ₹3.73 Lakh Compensation in Driver Death Case
The Decision
In its order, the Gujarat High Court directed the State counsel to submit:
- Copies of the current remission and premature release policies, and
- Copies of the compliance reports that were served upon the amicus curiae, as mandated by Supreme Court judgments.
The court ordered that the matter be listed again for further consideration on 12 February 2026, after examining the documents.
With this direction, the bench kept the monitoring proceedings alive, emphasizing accountability in the implementation of remission laws.
Case Title: Suo Motu v. State of Gujarat & Anr.
Case No.: Writ Petition (PIL) No. 60 of 2025
Case Type: Suo Motu Public Interest Litigation
Decision Date: 05 January 2026
