Alamgir vs. State (NCT of Delhi) & Anr.
Background
A convict who had already served 14 years in prison was denied two weeks' parole by jail authorities on the ground that he had recently availed a furlough. He wanted parole to attend his late father's first death-anniversary ceremony.
Decision Breakdown
The State verified that the father had indeed died a year earlier and had no serious objection. The Court allowed the petition, granting two weeks' parole and even dispensing with the usual surety requirement (based on a precedent order), subject only to a personal bond and a clear surrender date set by the jail superintendent.
Lesson Learnt
Courts recognise participation in genuine family religious/customary observances (like a death-anniversary rite) as a legitimate ground for parole, even where prison authorities initially refuse it.