Federal Probation and Parole Board Recommends Parole for 285 Prisoners

In a meeting held on Friday, the Federal Probation and Parole Board recommended the release of 285 prisoners on parole. The decision, presided over by Attorney General Ramesh Badal, was based on a proposal submitted by the Department of Prison Management under Section 38 of the Criminal Offenses (Determination and Execution of Punishment) Act, 2074 BS.

This provision allows for the release of inmates on parole based on good conduct, provided they meet specific criteria.

Criteria for Parole

According to Suryaraj Dahal, Joint Attorney at the Office of the Attorney General, parole eligibility requires:

• A sentence of more than one year.
• Completion of at least two-thirds of the prison term.
• Demonstration of good behavior during incarceration.

However, the Act explicitly excludes certain categories of prisoners from parole eligibility. Those convicted of the following offenses are barred from consideration:

• Life imprisonment.
• Corruption and extortion.
• Human trafficking and smuggling.
• Organized crime, money laundering, and torture.
• Crimes against humanity and the state.

Objective of the Decision

The recommendation seeks to facilitate rehabilitation and reduce prison overcrowding, aligning with Nepal’s broader objectives of criminal justice reform. The final decision on the release of the recommended prisoners will be made following further evaluation of individual cases.

This marks a significant step toward fostering fairness and rehabilitative opportunities in Nepal’s judicial system, while adhering to legal safeguards for serious crimes.