In a significant move aimed at providing relief to elderly and seriously ill prisoners, the Odisha government has constituted a special state-level committee to streamline the process of premature release from prisons.
The Home Department has formed the committee to review the existing 2022 premature release guidelines, recommend necessary amendments and formulate a comprehensive new policy for the early release of eligible prisoners.
The initiative aims to make the release process more transparent, systematic and humane, particularly for elderly inmates and those suffering from terminal or life-threatening illnesses.
Recommendations Expected by First Week of December
The committee will be headed by the Secretary of the Home Department or their representative.
Its members will include the Secretaries of the Law Department, Health Department, Social Empowerment Department and Information Technology Department.
The Member Secretary of the State Legal Services Authority will also be part of the committee, while the Additional Director General of Prisons will serve as its convener.
The committee is expected to submit its recommendations by the first week of December.
What Will Be the Committee’s Responsibilities?
The committee will examine and recommend eligibility criteria for the premature release of elderly prisoners and inmates suffering from terminal illnesses.
It will also determine procedures for constituting medical boards, conducting medical assessments and ensuring proper healthcare and rehabilitation facilities after the release of eligible prisoners.
Special emphasis will be placed on integrating the entire premature release process with the e-Prisons portal. The system will facilitate the collection and regular updating of information about eligible prisoners, along with digital monitoring of applications and decisions.
Supreme Court Directions Behind the Move
The Odisha government’s decision follows an important Supreme Court judgment delivered on July 16, 2026.
The apex court had directed all states and Union Territories to formulate a dedicated policy within three months for the premature release of elderly prisoners and inmates suffering from terminal illnesses.
According to data from the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), a total of 5,393 such prisoners had been identified across the country. This included 1,886 undertrial prisoners and 3,507 convicted inmates.
Digital Monitoring Through e-Prisons Portal
The proposed policy will focus on several factors, including the age of prisoners, the severity of their illnesses, medical board assessments and arrangements for post-release treatment and rehabilitation.
The e-Prisons portal will be used to digitise and monitor the entire process. Authorities will be able to track details of eligible inmates, application status and timelines for decision-making.
Through this initiative, the Odisha government aims to ensure that the premature release process is guided not only by legal provisions but also by humanitarian considerations, giving vulnerable prisoners an opportunity to live with dignity outside prison.