The Gauhati High Court has directed four northeastern states, Mizoram, Assam, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh to submit fresh affidavits indicating whether any convicts have been granted remission or premature release on or after April 2, 2026.
The order was issued during a hearing of a suo motu case before a division bench comprising Justice Michael Zothankhuma and Justice Kaushik Goswami. The case is aimed at monitoring how these states are implementing their remission and early release policies.
The bench noted that affidavits submitted earlier, in compliance with its February 4, 2026 directive, are on record. However, it observed that all four states continue to actively process cases related to remission, warranting continued judicial oversight.
After reviewing the submissions and hearing counsels, the court found that the states are considering convict cases for premature release in accordance with their respective policies. It emphasised the need for updated disclosures on any further releases granted.
The matter has been adjourned to June 4, 2026, by which date all four states must file additional affidavits detailing any remission granted since April 2.
The proceedings arise from directions issued by the Supreme Court of India, which clarified that state governments are required to proactively consider all eligible convicts for remission, without waiting for individual applications.
These obligations apply under Section 432 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and Section 473 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, as well as relevant jail manuals and departmental guidelines.
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