102 life convicts identified in Telangana for early release

A State-level standing committee has identified 102 life convicts lodged in prisons across Telangana as eligible for premature release after examining their cases in accordance with government guidelines.

Officials noted that the State government had earlier issued orders in July 2024 for the early release of 213 life convicts after a gap of four years. Of them, 178 were men and 35 were women. As part of rehabilitation measures, 73 released convicts were provided employment at fuel outlets run by the Prisons Department, while eight women were given sewing machines. Others have taken up agriculture and different occupations in their native villages.

The committee, comprising Special Chief Secretary to the Home Department C. V. Anand, Law Department Secretary B. Papi Reddy and Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services Soumya Mishra, met on March 12 to review the proposals submitted by the Prisons Department.

During the meeting, the committee examined the cases of life convicts individually and identified 102 prisoners, including 96 men and six women, as eligible for premature release as per Government Orders issued on October 27, 2025.

Officials said the process began with jail superintendents identifying eligible prisoners based on the criteria laid down by the State government, the Government of India and the guidelines of the Supreme Court. The list was prepared with assistance from the District Legal Services Authorities and supported by required records and remarks from district probation officers.

The proposals were subsequently verified by senior officials of the Prisons Department before being forwarded to the government for scrutiny by the standing committee.

The recommendations will now be placed before the State Cabinet for consideration. Following a decision by the Cabinet, the list will be sent to the Governor for approval, after which orders will be issued for the premature release of inmates.