In observance of the 78th Independence Day on August 15, 2024, the State Government of Nagaland has announced a remission of sentences for certain categories of prisoners. This decision was made in accordance with the power vested in the Governor by Article 161 of the Constitution of India.
The remission applies to prisoners convicted by courts with criminal jurisdiction in Nagaland, excluding those convicted under laws that fall under the Executive Powers of the Central Government. The remission scale is categorized as follows:
· Prisoners sentenced to 10 years and above: 30 days remission
· Prisoners sentenced to 5 to 10 years: 20 days remission
· Prisoners sentenced to 1 to 5 years: 10 days remission
· Prisoners sentenced up to 1 year: 5 days remission
However, this remission order does not apply to prisoners convicted under specific acts and categories, including:
· Foreigners Act
· Passport Act
· Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act
· Sections 3 to 10 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923
· Sections 2 to 3 of the Criminal Amendment Act, 1961
· Sections 121 to 130 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)
· Sections 107/109 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC)
· Prevention of Corruption Act
· Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985
· Convictions for rape, attempt to rape, or assault on women
· Prisoners found violating jail rules, including threats, intimidation, and smuggling contraband
· Foreign nationals convicted under any acts
The remission order will be effective from August 15, 2024, and is issued in the name of the Governor of Nagaland. This measure is intended to provide relief to eligible prisoners while upholding the state’s commitment to justice and correctional reform.