Archive · 23 Aug 2025
Furlough is a Concession, Not a Right: Court Rules
A court in Punjab and Haryana decided that being allowed out of prison temporarily (furlough) isn't something everyone has the right to.
It's more like a special favor.
A prisoner named Sonu, who was in jail for a murder-for-ransom case, asked for furlough but was turned down.
The court agreed because of a new law saying people convicted of serious crimes like Sonu's can't get furlough.
The court said that while these breaks from prison are meant to make things better for prisoners, they can't be given out if it might put the community at risk.
Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled furlough is a discretionary concession, not a right.
The court dismissed a petition by a life convict seeking temporary release.
The convict, Sonu alias Amar, was denied furlough due to his involvement in a 2005 murder for ransom.
The court cited the Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022, which bars such prisoners.
The court emphasized that parole and furlough aim to humanize prison administration but shouldn't compromise societal security.
- Who
- The court case involved a life convict named Sonu alias Amar and the jail authorities.
- What
- The Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled that furlough is a concession, not a right, and upheld the denial of furlough to a life convict.
- When
- The court ruling was made on Friday.
- Where
- Punjab and Haryana High Court
- Why
- The court wanted to clarify the nature of furlough and its limitations under the law, specifically the Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022.
Convict's Arguments
Court's Findings
Eligibility for Release
Convict's Arguments
Eligibility for furlough due to good conduct and remission in jail.
Court's Findings
Ineligibility under the 2022 Act due to the nature of the crime committed.
Following Protocol
Convict's Arguments
The superintendent acted arbitrarily by not referring the matter to higher authorities.
Court's Findings
The Superintendent correctly followed the law.
- Court
- Punjab and Haryana High Court
- Petitioner
- Sonu alias Amar
- Crime
- 2005 murder for ransom
- Act Cited
- Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022
- Sentence
- Life imprisonment
- Location of Incarceration
- District Jail, Sonipat