Early release: Prisoners write to Prez

The letter says that while neighbouring states release hundreds of reformed convicts every year, it had not been the case in Karnataka since 2006. Allowing reformed convicts to languish in prison only deteriorates their physical and mental health.

The Constitution provides for release of convicts who have served more than seven years of sentence and clearly indicates improved behaviour on the occasion of Independence Day, Republic Day or Gandhi Jayanti. Copies of the letter have been sent to the Prime Minister, Union Home and Law Ministers, Chief Minister of Karnataka and Congress President Sonia Gandhi.