Thursday , December 5 2024

Demand to extend parole of builder serving prison sentence in embezzlement case rejected

New Delhi, 15 February (HS). The Delhi High Court has rejected the demand for extension of parole of a builder serving 182 years of imprisonment in a case related to embezzlement of Rs 90 lakh deposited by plot buyers. The bench of Justice Anup Mehdiratta gave this order.

The High Court said that the punishment awarded and parole cannot be reduced merely on the ground that the petitioner is arranging money for settlement from the plot buyers. The High Court said that the work done by the convict does not entitle him to seek extension of parole. The High Court clearly said that asking for parole is not the right of any convict but it is a facility. Parole can be granted only under special circumstances. Delhi High Court rejected the demand for extension of parole and said that the sentence given in the petition filed before it has not been challenged. Only the demand for extension of parole has been made and the parole is decided under the provisions of Delhi Prison Rules 2018.

However, the Delhi High Court itself had granted parole to the convict in September 2019, which was also extended from time to time. The High Court had granted parole after the petitioner assured that he was trying for settlement with the plot buyers.

Actually, builder Rakesh Kumar had filed an application before the Delhi High Court to extend the parole. The petitioner says that he has spent seven years in jail. The District Consumer Forum of Tis Hazari Court has sentenced a total of 182 years. Convict Rakesh Kumar had demanded from the High Court to extend the parole period by 6 months. At present he is on parole.