Punjab & Haryana High Court Directs Expeditious Consideration of Premature Release Case; Treats Petition as Representation

Case Name: Harmeet Singh vs. State of Punjab and Others
Date of Judgment: 12 November 2025
Citation: CRWP-11411-2025
Bench: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Harsimran Singh Sethi

Held: The Punjab and Haryana High Court disposed of the petition with directions, holding that instead of adjudicating the merits of the request for premature release, it was appropriate to direct the competent authority to consider and decide the petitioner’s claim in accordance with the applicable policy. The Court held that premature release decisions must be taken by the statutory committee after assessing eligibility, conduct, jail record, and policy criteria, and therefore the petition would be treated as a pending representation requiring timely disposal.

Summary: The petitioner, a convict undergoing sentence, approached the Court seeking premature release under the relevant Punjab Premature Release Policy. It was contended that the petitioner had completed the qualifying period of incarceration and maintained satisfactory jail conduct, making him eligible for consideration. The petitioner further argued that despite eligibility, his case had not been placed before the competent authority, resulting in delay and denial of rights guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. The State did not dispute that the petitioner’s case was yet to be considered by the competent authority but submitted that the matter would be dealt with in accordance with law, subject to verification of conduct, eligibility, and policy requirements.

Decision: The Court directed the competent authority to consider the petitioner’s case for premature release expeditiously and in accordance with the applicable policy, giving due regard to conduct reports and statutory criteria. It was further directed that a reasoned order be passed after providing the petitioner an opportunity to participate in the process, wherever required. The petition was accordingly disposed of with directions, and all pending applications were also disposed of.