By Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi (EP)

Udupi, Aug 28: “Prisoners undergoing imprisonment for crimes are able to get their quantum of punishment reduced,” said Sunitha, chief district civil judge and first class magistrate.

She was speaking at an awareness programme on the rights of prisoners jointly held by district Legal Services Authority, department of projects, Udupi District Prisons, and Vakeelara Sangha, Udupi, on Hiriadka district prison premises on Thursday August 27.

“If the prisoners undergoing prison terms voluntarily admit their fault and submit an application to the Court, the Court can scrutinize it and reduce the quantum of punishment. However, it is restricted to certain specific cases. It does not apply to the death penalty, life imprisonment, cases related to children below 14 years and women, and serious crimes,” she said.

Resource person and advocate Akhil Hegde, speaking on the rights of prisoners, said that privileges made available to common citizens in the Constitution are available to all prisoners too. “Some privileges might be curtailed. A prisoner need not think that being in prison is the end of life. Prisoners are allowed to write books and publish them, write letters to their relatives, visit them, appoint lawyers to argue cases on their behalf, hold discussions with them, and
get the help of free legal service in case of financial hardships. They may also be set free for durations ranging between 30 days and 90 days on parole on the basis of good conduct,” he said.

Chief guest and assistant government prosecutor B Prakashchandra Shetty said that crime is increasing due to the ignorance of the law. “The knowledge of law is necessary for everybody. Prisoners should review their mistakes and live a better life,” he said.

Vakeelara Sangha president Dayananda K was present. Prison superintendent Saumya J presided over the programme.

Prison staff Roopa Shetty welcomed while Nagarathna Mani compered the programme.