HRF urges Telangana to implement remission policy for life convicts

The Human Rights Forum on January 30 urged the Telangana government to immediately begin the process of prematurely releasing eligible life-convict prisoners, alleging delays in implementing Supreme Court directions and a government order issued for the purpose.

In a statement, the Forum said the Supreme Court, in an order dated February 18, 2025, had directed all States to formulate a clear policy governing remission and premature release of convicted prisoners. In compliance, the Telangana Home Department issued an order on October 27, 2025, laying down permanent guidelines for granting special remission to life convicts.

The Forum said the government order clearly prescribed the procedures and criteria for identifying eligible prisoners and considering their cases for premature release. However, it alleged that nearly a year after the Supreme Court’s directions and almost three months after the notification of the guidelines, no tangible steps appeared to have been taken to implement the policy.

According to the forum’s statement, life convicts and their families had been living in uncertainty, particularly after hopes of releases during Republic Day did not materialise. It noted that the government order mandated preparation of a list of eligible life convicts every four months for consideration by a Standing Committee, but said there was no public information to indicate that the process had even been initiated.

Stating that continued delays defeated the purpose of remission, reformation and constitutional liberty recognised by the Supreme Court, the Human Rights Forum called on the Telangana government to implement G.O. Ms. No. 126 in its true letter and spirit and expedite the premature release of eligible prisoners.