Jalna, Nov 8 (PTI) A group of lawyers on Sunday submitted a memorandum to Jalna district authorities seeking release on humanitarian grounds of poor farmers and agricultural labourers imprisoned in minor criminal cases to help their families tide over the current drought.
The memorandum, submitted to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis through In-charge District Collector Ramesh Missal, highlighted the difficulties faced by families whose earning members are behind bars.
Many undertrial prisoners reportedly remain in jail for months because they cannot afford bail, it added.
The lawyers urged the government to implement Section 479 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which provides for the release of eligible undertrial prisoners after serving the prescribed portion of their maximum detention period.
They also sought assistance under the Centre’s Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme to help eligible inmates pay bail amounts. Additionally, they appealed for the withdrawal of minor cases and the use of remission powers wherever legally permissible.
“Releasing eligible prisoners would allow them to return to farming and daily-wage work, supporting their families during the drought,” advocate Mahesh Dhannawat said. PTI COR BNM
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