Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Sep 18: After a gap of eight years, a number of prisoners confined inside the jails in the state had the good luck of getting released from the prisons on Vinayaka Chaturthi, which is also known with the name, 'Chowti'. The governor gave his nod for the proposal of the state government to release prisoners on the basis of their good conduct, on the occasion of Chowti on Thursday September 17. The government had made recommendations for release of people who have spent over 14 years in jail, and also those who are aged over 65, and whose conduct in jail was found to be good.

The last time prisoners were released in Karnataka was in 2007, when H D Kumaraswamy was the chief minister. In the past, prisoners usually were released every year on Independence Day. Later, a period of friction between the chief minister, Yeddyurappa, and the Raj Bhavan, ensued. Recommendations for releasing prisoners by Yeddyurappa was sent back by the governor. Later, there was stay order against release of prisoners during the period the interpretation of life term came up for discussion at the Supreme Court.

Karnataka governor, Vajubhai Vala, signed order approving the recommendation of the state government,on Wednesday. Although the state wanted to release 253 prisoners for good conduct, the governor approved 252, rejecting one name on technical grounds.