492 prisoners recommended for release on Constitution Day

Kathmandu, September 5 — It has been recommended to shorten the sentences of 492 prisoners to be released on Constitution Day (September 19). The Department of Prison Management (DoPM) has advised the Ministry of Home Affairs to make a decision regarding these sentences.

Jayanarayan Acharya, Director General of the DoPM, informed Ratopati that the release of these 492 individuals is proposed for September 19.

The decision for those recommended for release on Republic Day (May 28) has not yet been made. The department had recommended the release of 601 people on Republic Day.

According to legal provisions, the Council of Ministers must decide on the Ministry of Home Affairs' proposal for a total of 1,093 individuals who have been recommended for release. They will be released once the decision is made.

Before The Criminal Offences (Sentencing and Execution) Act, 2017  was enacted, there was a provision for a 60% reduction in sentence after serving 40% of the sentence. With the introduction of the new Act, prisoners who have served 50% of their sentence and are not on the negative list will see their sentences reduced. Those sentenced to life imprisonment or jailed for drug-related charges are not eligible for this reduction.

The DoPM has also issued a public notice regarding this matter.