The court was hearing a petition filed by Champa Kamble, 90, and Hausabai Kohli, 80, who claimed premature release on health ground by invoking clause (ii) of Rule 27 of Maharashtra Prisons (Review of Sentences) Rules.
The petitioners relied upon the health report dated January 31, 2012, issued by the medical officer attached to Kolhapur Central Prison, Kalamba. In Clause 10 of the said report, it was recorded that general condition of the petitioners was weak and poor due to old age. It was stated that the petitioners were bedridden and may die in few days.
Following this, the court directed the superintendent of Kolhapur Jail to get the two women examined by the civil surgeon and submit a report by December 18. The report said the two were suffering from anemia.
Considering the report, the court felt that there was no immediate health concern for the convicts. Hence their petitions for release from jail were dismissed yesterday.
It was pointed out to the court that Kamble had undergone sentence for more than 7 years. A certificate to that effect was issued by the superintendent of Kolhapur Central Jail. In case of Kohli, it was stated that she had served 17 years, one month and 22 days in jail.
Kamble also mentioned that Additional Superintendent of Police, Sangli, had recorded no objection for her premature release from jail. She also referred to another communication issued by civil surgeon to superintendent of Kolhapur jail dated February 2, 2011, in which it was stated that the physical condition of the petitioner was weak.
Kamble had pleaded that she wanted to spend rest of her life with her near and dear ones.
Hausabai, convicted for murdering her daughter-in-law for dowry, has spent 17 years in jail. She pleaded that her daughter and grandson were keen to take her home. Both wrote letters from Kolhapur Jail where they were undergoing the sentence. (MORE)