The Madras High Court has directed its registry and the Tamil Nadu prison department to take necessary steps to implement the 'E-Prisons Early Release Processing Module', a software system mandated by the Supreme Court for the premature release of convicts. The directive was issued by a division bench comprising Justice Anita Sumanth and Justice Sunder Mohan.
Pilot Project at Puzhal Prisons
As a first step, the court ordered that the prisons at Puzhal be taken up as a pilot project for the implementation of this software. The bench stated, 'The registrar (IT) of the court is directed to convene a meeting of the stakeholders as required for proper implementation of the software within two weeks. A status report should be placed before this bench within a week thereafter confirming the readiness of the module for implementation in the prisons at Puzhal.'
Background of the Case
The order was passed on a petition filed by Nanjil Mugilan, who sought the premature release of his father, a life convict who has been incarcerated for over 21 years in a case involving attempt to murder and charges under the Explosive Substances Act.
During the hearing, the court referred to an order passed by the Supreme Court on April 13, which emphasized the need for an electronic system to ensure hassle-free processing of applications from convicts seeking early release. The High Court noted, 'This court seizes this opportunity to enable the implementation of the module in the prisons of Tamil Nadu as well.'
The implementation of this module is expected to streamline the process for premature release applications, reducing delays and ensuring transparency. The court's proactive approach aims to align Tamil Nadu's prison administration with the Supreme Court's vision for a more efficient and just system.
