Gujarat government grants 15-day Diwali parole to 143 prisoners
The 15-day leave will allow eligible male and female inmates to celebrate the festival with their families.
The Gujarat government has sanctioned 15-day Diwali parole for 143 eligible inmates in various state jails, according to reports by Hindustan Times and ANI. The decision was made under the guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi as part of prisoner welfare and reform programmes.
The parole period will begin on Dhanteras, which is November 6, 2026. The group of beneficiaries consists of 103 male prisoners aged 60 years or above and 40 female prisoners.
The state has been providing this 15-day annual leave for the Diwali festival since 2003. This policy specifically extends the benefit to eligible women and men aged 60 or older to spend time with family members.
Director General of Police (Gujarat Prisons and Correctional Department) K L N Rao stated that prisoners involved in serious offences are not eligible for this parole. Rules exclude those with pending High Court appeals, NRI prisoners, and inmates from other states.
Other excluded categories include prisoners serving sentences under the NDPS Act, TADA, and POTA. Those involved in terrorist activities, economic crimes, or serious offences such as robbery, kidnapping, and rape are also ineligible for the leave.