The Assam government has decided to remit the sentences of 18 prisoners under certain categories in commemoration of the 75th anniversary celebrations being marked as the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.
According to a notification made available to the media on Wednesday, women and transgender convicts of above the age of 50 years and male convicts of 60 years of age and above, who have completed 50 per cent of their total sentence period will be released.
In this category, five males above the age of 60 years who have completed 50 per cent of their total sentence will be released.
Physically challenged/disabled convicts with 70 percent disability and more, duly certified by a Medical Board, who have completed 50 per cent of their total sentence period and terminally ill convicts will also be released along with convicted prisoners wlto have completed two third of their total sentence period will also have their sentences remitted.
In the above category, the state government has decided to remit the sentences of 12 prisoners who have completed two-thirds of their total sentence.
Poor or indigent prisoners who have completed their sentence but are still in jail due to non-payment of fine imposed will also have their fines waived off.
Persons who committed offences at a young age i.e. between 18-21 years and with no other criminal involvement or case against them, who have cornpletecl 50 per cent of their sentence period will also have their sentences remitted. and in this category, one person will be released.
The remission of sentence is, however, not applicable to persons convicted with death sentence or commuted to life imprisonment, convicted under various laws related to terrorist or anti-national activities.
Dowry deaths, printing of counterfeit currency notes, rape, human trafficking, POCSO, money laundering and other economic offenses, drug trafficking, illegal arms trade, among others, the notification added.