Mon Nov 04 06:13:28 UTC 2024: ## Hundreds of Under Trial Prisoners to be Released on Bail for Constitution Day
**Chennai, November 4, 2024:** Hundreds of undertrial prisoners across India are set to be released on bail on November 26th, Constitution Day, under a new provision in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to address overcrowding in prisons and reduce the number of undertrial inmates.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all states and union territories to implement Section 479 of the BNSS, which allows for the release on bail of first-time offenders who have spent half the maximum sentence period in jail. However, this provision does not apply to those accused of crimes punishable by death or life imprisonment, including heinous offences like murder, rape, and terrorism.
The Supreme Court, in an order issued on August 23rd, 2024, had also acknowledged the provisions of Section 479 and instructed jail authorities to facilitate bail applications for eligible undertrials. This provision applies to all pending cases, regardless of when the case was registered.
The MHA plans to launch a special campaign for Constitution Day, encouraging states to utilize the BNSS provisions and provide relief to undertrial prisoners. This gesture, they believe, will reinforce constitutional values and highlight the government’s commitment to justice and reform within the prison system.
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