Maharashtra amends jail manual, won't allow furlough to rape convicts

Mumbai: In a major development to tighten the noose, Maharashtra has amended its jail manual. As per the new rules, rape convicts will not be entitled to any furlough. Earlier, a prisoner was entitled to be released on furlough for 14 days in a year.

As per the new manual, there will be no commutation of sentence for rape convicts serving a life term as against the earlier practice where the sentence could be reviewed after a convict serves 14 years. The new jail manual essentially incorporates SC directives.

The parole will be granted to rape convicts only under exigencies like death or serious illness in the family or a natural calamity.