Nepal citizenship no bar: Himachal High Court grants parole to murder-dacoity convict

The Himachal Pradesh High Court recently granted four weeks' parole to a life inmate serving a dacoity-murder conviction, rejecting the denial based on his Nepalese citizenship. Despite the family's long-term presence in Uttarakhand, authorities rejected his parole request, citing potential flight risks. Justice Rakesh Kainthla ruled that the prisoner's satisfactory jail behavior and lack of security threats negated the need for permanent parole denial.

The court upheld an earlier division bench ruling, stating that Nepalese citizenship alone cannot justify parole denial. The prisoner's family ties and property in Nainital were also considered, emphasizing that indefinite parole denial would contradict the purpose of parole itself. The court set aside the June 23, 2026, decision and granted temporary release, imposing a Rs 1 lakh personal bond and two surety bonds.

The probation officer will supervise the prisoner's behavior during the parole period, which must be reported upon completion.