THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The practice of only the politically influential and wealthy prisoners getting released early will soon come to an end in Kerala. Prison advisory councils, which are full of politicians, routinely grant leniency only to those who are close to these politicians. The government has amended the prison rules by forming a high-level committee chaired by a retired high court judge to consider the prisoners' appeal against the denial of leniency and recommend to the government that they be released before the end of their sentence. The Home, Legal and Social Welfare Secretaries are members of the committee.

There are 146 prisoners serving life sentences who have not been recommended by the advisory council for pardon or release after 14 years. This includes those who have been in prison for 28 years. Exemption has not been considered even after completion of double life sentences. There are women who have applied three times but are not yet considered. Requests to the government, the courts and the Human Rights Commission are usually referred back to the same advisory council for consideration. There is currently no mechanism to consider the appeal. There will be no change in the decision of the advisory council. With the advent of the high-level committee, prisoners can apply for pardon or release even if the advisory council has not considered it. These will be considered every six months. Prisoners will be granted relief after considering police reports on whether there will be a law and order situation if they are released. The high-level committee has the power to approve and reject the recommendations of the advisory council. The government may release prisoners with the governor's permission.