No releases for good conduct prisoners this Constitution Day

Kathmandu, September 18 — Prisoners with good conduct and those who have served their sentences will not be released this Constitution Day. Although the Department of Prison Management recommended releases, the Ministry of Home Affairs has not submitted a proposal to the Cabinet for prisoner release.

Kamal Prasad Pandey, the director of the Department of Prison Management, stated that no decisions have been made regarding sentence reductions this time. He said, “A review will be conducted before a new decision is made.” The department had recommended reducing the sentences of 492 prisoners to be released by September 19.

There has also been no decision on those recommended for sentence reductions during the Republic Day celebration. On May 28, the department had recommended reducing the sentences of 601 individuals. According to the law, the Cabinet must decide on the proposals for a total of 1,093 individuals recommended for sentence reductions. Once a decision is made, they will be released.

Before the Criminal Offences (Sentencing and Execution) Act, 2017 was introduced, prisoners whose sentences were determined could receive a 40% reduction after serving 60% of their sentence. Under the new act, those who have served 50% of their sentence and are not on the negative list will be eligible for sentence reductions.

However, those sentenced to life imprisonment and those imprisoned for drug offenses will not qualify for sentence reductions. The department has also issued a public notice regarding this.