Mon Sep 01 15:06:21 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided text, suitable for The Hindu’s online audience:

**The Hindu: Karnataka High Court Rules Convicts Serving Specified Sentences Still Eligible for Remission**

**Bengaluru, September 1, 2025, 08:36 PM IST** – The Karnataka High Court has delivered a significant ruling clarifying the eligibility of convicts for remission, even when serving specific sentences exceeding 20 years. The court stated that unless a sentencing order explicitly bars premature release, remission, or parole, convicts remain entitled to be considered for these benefits.

Justice Suraj Govindaraj issued the order while hearing a petition filed by Deepa Angadi, whose husband, brother-in-law, and mother-in-law were sentenced to 21 years in 2013 for a murder conviction. Their initial applications for remission were rejected by prison authorities due to the specified 21-year sentence.

The High Court referenced Rule 164 of the Karnataka Prisons and Correctional Services Manual, 2021, highlighting that it does not explicitly prevent convicts serving sentences of 20 years or more from being eligible for remission. Crucially, the court pointed out that the 2013 sentencing order contained no clause restricting eligibility for remission or parole.

Emphasizing the rehabilitative purpose of remission, the court noted, “remission is held out as a carrot for the detenu so that they behave properly with discipline and good conduct with the hope of being released early by remitting the sentence.” However, it also reiterated that remission is not a right, but rather an earned privilege.

The High Court also cited a Supreme Court ruling establishing that convicts sentenced to life imprisonment are eligible for remission consideration after serving a minimum of 14 years. As Angadi’s relatives have served over 14 years, the High Court has directed prison authorities to reconsider their remission applications, taking their satisfactory conduct into account. This ruling has potential implications for numerous inmates across Karnataka’s prison system, offering a renewed hope for early release based on good behavior and adherence to prison regulations.

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