KOCHI:A petition has been filed before the Kerala High Court seeking a directive to the state government not to release the hardened criminals convicted of brutal crimes, including murder,rape and dacoity from the prison.
The petitioner P D Joseph of Thrissur submitted the Constitution guaranteed equal protection and security to the life and property of all the citizens.
However,the state government did not show the slightest sincerity in protecting the rights of the citizens, he said.
According to Joseph, an RTI query revealed the government had drawn up a list, which included the CPM men sentenced for life in the sensational T P Chandrasekharan murder case among others, for granting remission of sentence.
Besides, Muhammed Nisham-- convicted of the killing of security guard Baburaj-- and gangster Om Prakash, accused in the Paul Muthoot murder case figured in the list, the court was informed.
Terming the state government decision totally unjustified, the petitioner said the Home Department did not factor in the growing political violence and the ensuing threat to the life and the freedom of the common man.
Alleging the decision was solely prompted by political consideration, the petition said it was imperative to keep the dreaded criminals behind the bars to ensure the maintenance of the law and order.
Moreover,if remission was given to these law breakers, it would sent out a wrong message to the society.
“Only those suffering from terminal disease have the right for early release on medical grounds,” Joseph said.
The petition, which sought a directive to the government to come out with the list of convicts recommended for the remission of sentence, said the release of those convicted of political murder would fuel more violence.