THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: More prisoners will be released from various jails in the state in the wake of the second wave of COVID. As many as 1,500 people, including 568 prisoners, who have been released on parole since the last day, have been granted temporary release by order of the high power committee.

It was also decided to release 350 remand prisoners on interim bail. Interim bail is granted on remand and trial prisoners who have no criminal background, are not regular offenders, are involved in only one case, and are subject to sentences punishable by less than seven years. The decision was taken by a high-power committee comprising High Court Judge CT Ravikumar, Home Secretary TK Jose, and Jail Chief Rishiraj Singh.

The Supreme Court's waiver will also apply to prisoners who have been granted parole by the government. In addition, parole has been granted to prisoners not convicted of drug treason, men over 60 and women over 50. The jail DGP has directed various jail authorities to release the prisoners immediately. Parole is for ninety days. The high-power committee, appointed by the Supreme Court, had issued an order to reduce the number of prisoners in crowded jails in the wake of the COVID crisis.

Those involved in more than one case, those from other states, those convicted in the past, regular offenders, and those with a criminal background are not eligible for bail. The order states that respective superintendents should take personal care not to err in granting bail. The order also states that action will be taken in case of any lapse in this regard.