Co-Convict Being On Parole No Bar To Furlough: Delhi High Court Orders Release Of Life Convict For Daughter's School Admission

The Delhi High Court has held that the fact that a co-convict is already out on parole cannot be a ground to deny furlough to another convict. It thus directed the release of a life convict to enable him to assist in his daughter's school admission.

Justice Manoj Jain passed the order while dealing with a plea filed by a convict serving a life sentence, who had been granted furlough for two weeks but was not released by jail authorities on the ground that his co-convict was already on parole.

Petitioner approached the High Court stating that his presence was required to facilitate the admission of his 16-year-old daughter into Class XI. He also expressed apprehension that his co-convict might seek extension of parole, further delaying his own release.

The Court noted that under the Delhi Prison Rules, simultaneous release of co-convicts is “ordinarily” not permissible, but there is no absolute prohibition on such release.

Emphasising the purpose of furlough as an incentive for good conduct, the Court observed that the mere fact of a co-accused being on parole should not act as a “stumbling block”, particularly when the convict's presence is required for an important familial responsibility.

“Grant of furlough is, merely, an incentive for good conduct and the fact that co-accused is already on parole, should not be a stumbling block when it comes to securing admission for his child.”

As such, the Court directed the competent authority to release the petitioner within three days for the two-week furlough period already sanctioned.

Appearance: Mr. Anup Kumar Das with Ms. Prachi Sharma and Ms. Ishita Singh, Advocates for Petitioner; Mr. Sanjay Lao, Standing Counsel (Crl.) for State with SI Rohit, PS Uttam Nagar.

Case title: Vicky @ Gobind v. State

Case no.: W.P.(CRL) 1389/2026

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