PRAYER: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Habeas Corpus, directing the respondents to release the petitioner's husband/the detenu Sirajudheen, son of Yusuf, aged 39 years, confined at Coimbatore Central Prison (Life Convict No. 4348) from the prison and directing the respondents to treat the petitioner as an eligible life convict prisoner for premature release by G.O.(Ms). No. 64, Home (Prison IV) Department, dated 01.02.2018.
The Order of the Court was delivered by
C.T. Selvam, J.:— Petitioner, who is the wife of Convict Prisoner viz., Sirajudheen (Convict No. 4348 housed in Central Prison, Coimbatore), S/o. Yusuf, has moved the present petition seeking relief under G.O.(Ms) No. 64, Home (Prison-IV) Department dated 01.02.2018.
2. Convict prisoner faced trial in S.C. No. 114 of 2003 on the file of learned First Additional Sessions Judge, Coimbatore. After trial, Trial Court convicted him u/s 302, 120B, 148, 341 IPC and sentenced to undergo Life Imprisonment and later this Court modified the offence to one u/s 302 IPC under judgment dated dated 18.12.2006 in Crl.A. No. 338 of 2004 and sentenced to undergo life imprisonment.
3. Heard learned Senior counsel for petitioner as also learned Additional Public Prosecutor for respondents.
4. Learned counsel for petitioner submits that petitioner's brother whose release is sought under G.O.(Ms) No. 64, Home (Prison IV) Department dated 01.02.2018 is eligible therefor as he satisfies all parameters drawn up in the said Government Order. Petitioner has made a representation on 10.10.2018 to the respondents informing the application of G.O.(Ms). No. 64, Home (Prison-IV) Department dated 01.02.2018 in the case of her husband/convict prisoner and seeking relief thereunder.
5. There is no dispute over the fact that the convict prisoner would be entitled to release under G.O.(Ms). No. 64, Home [Prison-IV] Department dated 01.02.2018. However, he has been denied the benefit thereof since the Probation Officer's report informs danger to the life of the Convict Prisoner, if he be let at large. Refusing release of a prisoner on the ground that his safety is at risk would amount to denying him the same not owing to any fault of his but on an apprehension of possibility of wrong doing by others. This, we consider unreasonable. In such cases, we would recommend that prisoners be released but in doing so be informed of the possibility of harm to them.
6. Accordingly, this Habeas Corpus Petition shall stand allowed. The detenu viz., Sirajudheen (Convict No. 4348 housed in Central Prison, Coimbatore), S/o. Yusuf, is directed to be released forthwith in terms of G.O.Ms. No. 64 Home [Prison-IV] Department dated 01.02.2018 unless his presence is required in any other case.