Convict gets parole to visit ailing mother

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Recalling the epic Ramayana, Karnataka High Court has granted parole to a 44-year-old convict to visit his 75-year-old mother being treated in a hospital for age-related ailments.

Justice Krishna S Dixit, in his judgement on May 22, said, "Valmiki in Ramayana says, "Janani Janma Bhoomischa Swargaadapi Gariyasi" meaning "… mother and motherland are superior even to heaven." When a mother is in contemplation of death, as argued at the Bar, it is a legitimate urge for the children to see her and for the mother to see her children. This court sees no reason, why a reasonable opportunity to see the mother, must be denied to the petitioner and thereby to deprive the mother sight of her child."

The convict, from Hungund in Bagalkote district is currently lodged in the open air prison in Devanahalli, Bengaluru Rural District. He approached the HC with a petition "for grant of general parole for 30 days (extendable) so as to enable him to attend to his ailing mother as per Rule 191 of the Karnataka Prison Rules."

His advocate argued that the convict "currently served a prison sentence of 7 years, during which his conduct has remained good."His mother has developed age-related complications and is ill and therefore he wanted to visit her. The Superintendent of Police, however, rejected his request for parole. He therefore approached the HC.

The counsel for the convict submitted that he would provide an undertaking he will not seek extension of parole period. "This submission is placed on record," the HC said. The additional government advocate also mentioned that there had been no adverse remarks on him during his sentence