Dharmender Kumar Tandon vs. The State of NCT of Delhi
Background
The petitioner, convicted in a case involving Sections 302/307/452 IPC (murder, attempt to murder, and house-trespass), had already spent about 13 years and 9 months in jail. He sought temporary parole for two months to sow and harvest crops and to maintain ties with his family and friends. The State's counsel confirmed his conduct in jail had been good and raised no serious objection.
Decision Breakdown
Given the petitioner's long incarceration and good conduct record, and with the State's consent, the Court allowed the petition and set aside the earlier order rejecting parole. It granted parole for four weeks (not the full two months requested), conditioned on the petitioner furnishing a personal bond of Rs. 10,000 with one surety of the same amount, with the Jail Superintendent to formally inform him in writing of his exact surrender date after the parole period ends.
Lesson Learnt
Long-term prisoners with good conduct can be granted temporary parole for genuine family or livelihood needs (like farming), especially where the State does not object, but courts can grant a shorter period than requested and will attach strict bond and surrender conditions.