K’taka Cabinet approves premature release of 28 life‑term prisoners (Lead)

Bengaluru, Aug 21 (IANS) The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the premature release of 28 life‑term prisoners on grounds of good conduct, Home, Information Technology and Biotechnology and E‑Governance Minister Priyank Kharge said on Friday.

The Cabinet decided at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.

Kharge said the Cabinet examined 45 cases of life‑term prisoners lodged in various central prisons across Karnataka for premature release. Based on prescribed government guidelines, the prisoners’ conduct, period of incarceration and other eligibility criteria, the Cabinet approved the premature release of 28 prisoners.

In addition, the Cabinet approved the premature release of one more life‑term prisoner subject to obtaining the consent of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. With this, a total of 29 life‑term prisoners are eligible for premature release, the Minister said.

Kharge said the Cabinet scrutinised all 45 cases based on the prescribed criteria, including the prisoners’ conduct and the time they had already spent in prison. The Cabinet will now send the decision to the Governor for approval, he added.

It can be noted that the Karnataka Cabinet has also approved the purchase and installation of advanced technological equipment, including Artificial Intelligence (AI)‑based cameras and portable signal jammers, as part of efforts to modernise and strengthen the state’s Prisons Department.

The state government aims to enhance security, surveillance and operational efficiency across prisons. As part of the modernisation initiative, AI‑powered cameras, portable signal jammers and a Prisoner Calling System, among other advanced equipment, will be installed in prisons.

The new technology is expected to help prevent unauthorised activities and strengthen security monitoring within prison premises.

“Given the changing challenges, it is necessary to adopt advanced technology in the Prisons Department as well. This step has been taken to strengthen security and surveillance further,” Kharge said.

The Cabinet approval is part of the state government’s efforts to bring greater technology‑based monitoring and security measures into the functioning of the Prisons Department, he added.

–IANS

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