Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Karnataka Cabinet Clears Premature Release of 28 Prisoners
The Karnataka Cabinet looked at 45 cases involving people serving life sentences.
It approved the early release of 28 prisoners because they met government rules, including good conduct.
One more prisoner could be released if the Union Ministry of Home Affairs agrees.
This makes 29 prisoners eligible for early release.
The decision still has to be sent to the Governor for approval.
The Cabinet also wants to improve prison security with new technology.
This includes AI cameras, portable signal jammers and a Prisoner Calling System.
Officials say the technology should help monitor prisons and prevent unauthorised activities.
The Karnataka Cabinet approved the premature release of 28 life-term prisoners for good conduct.
It examined 45 cases using conduct, incarceration period and other eligibility criteria.
One additional prisoner may be released after consent from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
The 29 eligible prisoners’ cases will be sent to the Governor for approval.
The Cabinet also approved AI cameras, portable signal jammers and a Prisoner Calling System for prisons.
- Who
- The Karnataka Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, approved the decision; Minister Priyank Kharge announced it.
- What
- The Cabinet approved the premature release of 28 life-term prisoners and conditionally approved one additional release.
- When
- The decision was announced on Friday after a Cabinet meeting.
- Where
- The prisoners are held in various central prisons across Karnataka.
- Why
- The releases were approved based on good conduct, time served and other government eligibility criteria; prison technology was approved to strengthen security and surveillance.
Early Release
Continued Incarceration
Eligibility and public policy
Early Release
The Cabinet determined that 28 prisoners met the prescribed criteria, including good conduct and time already served, with one additional case requiring Union Ministry of Home Affairs consent.
Continued Incarceration
The articles do not report a public opposing argument, but the cases remain subject to further approval by the Governor and, in one case, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Cases examined
- 45 life-term prisoner cases
- Releases approved
- 28 prisoners
- Conditional release
- One additional prisoner, subject to Union Ministry of Home Affairs consent
- Total potentially eligible
- 29 prisoners
- Final approval
- The decision will be sent to the Governor
- Security technology
- AI-powered cameras, portable signal jammers and a Prisoner Calling System
- Stated purpose
- Improved prison security, surveillance and operational efficiency