Encourage unique talents of prisoners as part of rehab: HC

Likening drawings and paintings of a life convict here to that of famous Spanish artist Salvador Dali, the Madras High Court today suggested that the state government encourage 'unique talents' of prisoners in fine arts or other activities as part of rehabilitation as it would give a ray of hope for them and help them mend themselves.
Justice R Mahadevan stated this while allowing a petition by the wife of a life convict, seeking parole for her husband to help her arrange to sell some property and enable education of their daughter and after seeing photographs and paintings of T Sankar, which he likened to that of Salvador Dali.

"The prisoner seems to have an extraordinary ability to draw 3D paintings. His paintings resemble the paintings of the famous Spanish surrealist artist-Salvador Dali," he said.
The judge said prisons are not just warehouses and should focus more on rehabilitation. If prisoners are encouraged to improve their skills and attitude, they would be more productive and live a productive life.
Rehabilitation would be of help not only to them but also to society at large, he said.
The judge pointed out that Sankar had been released on parole several times earlier and rejected the contention of Central Prison authorities here that he was ineligible for release as per prison manual on ordinary leave because a dacoity case had been filed against him.

The judge then granted him parole for 15 days.