BENGALURU: In a notable legal development, the Karnataka High Court has granted a one-day parole to two life convicts, a woman and her lover, who were previously convicted for conspiring to murder her first husband. The ruling permits the pair to tie the knot outside prison walls.
A Dharwad Bench of the High Court, headed by Justice M.J.S. Kamal, delivered the order while hearing a joint petition filed by Sridhar and Siddavva, alias Priyanka Jagamatti. Both petitioners are currently lodged in the Belagavi prison.
Addressing Moral Concerns vs. Legal Rights
During the proceedings, the court acknowledged that the request carries significant moral complexities, given that the petitioners were convicted in connection with the murder of Siddavva's former husband. However, the bench emphasized that a statutory legal right cannot be denied purely on moral grounds when there is no direct legal prohibition against it.
Highlighting the broader objectives of the judicial and penal systems, the bench noted that parole plays a vital role in helping prisoners maintain essential family and social relationships, which ultimately contributes to their long-term rehabilitation.
Conduct and Custody Records
The court took into positive consideration the petitioners' track record while behind bars. Together, Sridhar and Siddavva have spent over three years, five months, and 25 days in custody, spanning the trial period and post-conviction imprisonment. Furthermore, prison records revealed no adverse reports regarding their behavior or conduct while serving time.
While the petitioners initially sought a 90-day parole period to organize and celebrate their marriage, the court restricted the relief to a single day. This modification followed submissions from the state government pointing out that prison regulations do not permit marriages to be conducted inside jail premises.
Strict Conditions Imposed
Under the terms of the High Court's directive, the convicts will be temporarily released from custody from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on the designated wedding day. Adequate police personnel will accompany them to provide strict security throughout the ceremony. Both individuals are mandated to return to the Belagavi prison premises by 5:00 PM on the same day.
The court has directed prison authorities to issue the formal release orders within one week of receiving the High Court's judgment.
Case Background
Siddavva, a native of Bhairanatti village within Mudalagi taluk in the Belagavi district, had allegedly conspired with Sridhar to execute the murder of her husband. Following a thorough legal trial, both were found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment. Despite serving their sentences, the pair petitioned the judiciary for permission to unite in marriage.
