Top court asks all states to check, release convicts who’ve completed sentences

The Home Secretaries of all States and Union Territories were instructed by the Supreme Court on Tuesday to identify and act promptly in cases where convicted individuals are still incarcerated after serving their sentence.

“If any such convict is continuing in prison, then they should be immediately released, if not wanted in any other case,” the Court ordered, as quoted by LiveLaw.

The directive was issued by a bench comprising Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice KV Viswanatha.

The order was made during a hearing where the court decided to release an accused person who had served out the entirety of their sentence—even if they had not received remission.

Additionally, the Court directed that its directive be forwarded to the National Legal Services Authority’s (NALSA) Member Secretary, who will make sure it reaches the District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in every State and UT for rigorous adherence.