Team Herald
PANJIM: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has asked the State government to ensure that drug offenders, lodged in prisons, are not granted parole during the election period.
In its written communiqué to Chief Secretaries of all the States and Union Territories, the ECI has stated that if parole to any convict is necessary for certain compelling reasons, the chief electoral officer concerned should be consulted before the release.
“…the model code of conduct shall apply in cases of release of (drug) convicts on parole. If State Government considers that release of any convict on parole is absolutely essential for certain compelling reasons in that case, State shall consult the Chief Electoral Officer concerned before granting parole,” the order states.
The ECI has also asked the States, in case of parole during extreme cases, that the convicts do not indulge in any election related activities. In such cases, the ECI informed that the police and drug law enforcement agencies including the NCB zonal units should be given advance intimation.
“If any such person is found indulging in any objectionable activity, his parole should be cancelled forthwith. The District Election Officers shall also apprise the Observers of the constituents concerned about the release of convicts on parole, if any,” the order further read.
In Goa, while no drug convicts are due for release on parole, the temporary release of one prisoner – convicted in other offense – has been kept on hold. A source revealed that the convict, hailing from Dharwad was due to be released during this period but the Prisons Department in Karnataka declined to give a NOC in view of the ongoing election period.
“The prisons authorities in Dharwad have refused to grant a NOC as they apprehend this convict (lodged in Colvale Jail) might get involved in election related matters back in their state. His release on parole is therefore held back at least till the election period,” the source told Herald.
