The Supreme Court on
Friday directed that all convicts and undertrial prisoners, who were released
during the Covid-19 pandemic in a move to decongest jails, to surrender within 15
days.
A bench of Justices MR Shah and CT Ravikumar said undertrial
prisoners, who were released on emergency bail during the pandemic, can move
for regular bail before competent courts after their surrender.
"All the convicts who were released during COVID-19 pandemic
after their surrender can move competent courts for suspension of their
sentence", the bench said.
Several convicts and undertrial prisoners, mostly those who were
booked for non-heinous offences, were released during the pandemic in various
states on the recommendations of high-powered committee set up in pursuant to
directions of the apex court.