Nagaland Government Remits Sentences of Prisoners

The Nagaland government, as a commendable step in commemoration of the Independence Day 2018, decided to remit sentences of certain categories of prisoners. The prisoners selected to be remitted by the government included those who are convicted by courts and are sentenced to rigorous imprisonment.

As stated by an official, "In exercise of the power conferred by sub­section 1 of Section 432 of the Code Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Act No. 2 of 1974 hereinafter referred as the said code), the governor of Nagaland has granted remission of sentences to different categories of prisoners lodged in the jails of Nagaland and outside other than those in respect of whom the sentence is inflicted for an offence against the order referred to in sub-section 6 of section 432 of the said code passed under any law relating to which the executive powers of the Union extends."

As per the decision, the government has gives a remission of 30 days to those prisoners who are sentenced for 10 years of imprisonment previously. Other prisoners, who are sentenced to one year to five years of imprisonment, got 10 days' remission and the ones with one-year punishment got remission of five days. The remission order took effect from August 15.

The remission order, however, did not apply on those prisoners who are convicted under Foreigners Act, Passport Act, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Section 3 to 10 of Official Secrets Act, 1923, Section 2 to 3 of Criminal Amendment Act, 1961, Section 121 to 130 of the IPC, Section 107/109 of the CrPC, Prevention of Corruption Act, prisoners convicted of rape, attempt to rape or assault on women, convicted prisoners found violating jail rules and discipline such as threatening/intimidation/quarrelling/beating of fellow prisoners/staff and smuggling of contraband and prohibited articles and foreign nationals convicted under any act.