Gujarat to release 86 prisoners on Independence Day

On the eve of India's Independence Day, the Gujarat government has announced that 86 model prisoners will be released from jails across the state as part of an amnesty programme. This decision, made under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Minister of State for Home Affairs Harsh Sanghvi, aims to give eligible inmates with good conduct a chance to reintegrate with their families.

The release of these prisoners is scheduled for Aug 15, coinciding with India’s Independence Day celebrations, demonstrates a humanitarian approach towards prison reform and rehabilitation. This timing symbolically aligns the concept of national freedom with personal redemption and new beginnings for the released individuals, an official said.

These releases are part of a broader initiative following guidelines issued by the Centre to states and union territories regarding prisoner amnesty. This latest group of 86 prisoners adds to the ongoing efforts of the state government in this direction.

As many as 351 prisoners have already benefited from the state amnesty programme: 103 prisoners were released under similar circumstances in 2023 and another 248 in 2024 so far. The decision underscores the government’s commitment to providing second chances to those who have demonstrated good behaviour during their incarceration.

Officials hope that this initiative will not only benefit the released prisoners and their families but also contribute to the broader goals of criminal justice reform and social reintegration.