New Delhi, August 12 (Udaipur Kiran): The Supreme Court has reprimanded the Uttar Pradesh government for delays in deciding on the mercy petitions of prisoners. A bench led by Justice AS Oka expressed its displeasure, stating that despite the Court’s orders, decisions on these petitions are not being made. The Supreme Court directed the UP government’s lawyer to file an affidavit naming the officials who refused to process the files.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court emphasized that its orders clearly stated that the Model Code of Conduct would not hinder the process. The Court questioned the UP government on why its orders were being disregarded. “When we direct you to consider early release, you fail to comply,” the Court noted.
Last week, the Court had also directed the Principal Secretary of the UP Prison Department to appear via video conferencing for not complying with the Court’s orders.
UP government counsel Garima Prasad explained that all the files related to these cases were with the Governor, who was currently out of station and expected to return today, after which action would be taken. She stated that the files were sent to the concerned minister on July 5, then to the Chief Minister on July 11, and finally to the Governor on August 6.
Justice Oka then questioned, “Who will compensate the prisoners for this delay?” Prasad responded that they received the proposal on April 16, but the Model Code of Conduct came into effect in the meantime. The Court, however, pointed out that they had already stated that the Model Code of Conduct would not interfere. The UP government argued that the file had not reached the CM’s secretariat. Following this, the Court ordered the UP government’s lawyer to file an affidavit naming the officials who refused to accept the files and detailing any attempts made to inform the relevant authorities that the Court’s orders must be followed.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
