Government issues order for the premature release of Sherin Karanavar
The Cabinet decision for sentence remission had earlier drawn flak with various quarters accusing the government of having succumbed to external pressures.
Sherin, who has been lodged at the Women Prison and Correctional Home in Kannur, was recommended for premature release by the Jail Advisory Committee. Having served over 14 years of her life sentence, she was deemed eligible for premature release. Subsequently, the Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services referred the matter to the government, paving the way for her release. The decision was made under Article 161 of the Constitution, which grants the Governor the power to remit sentences.
An official order, issued by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Bishwanath Sinha, has been forwarded to the State Police Chief, Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, and the Superintendent of the Women's Prison in Kannur. Her release is part of a broader recommendation involving 11 inmates proposed for sentence remission.
Sherin's prison record has not been without controversy. Her tenure in jail included multiple paroles and disciplinary issues. In February, she was accused of assaulting a fellow inmate, and she had previously been transferred from Poojappura and Viyyur prisons.
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A blueprint covering all aspects should be prepared by a national committee of experts to determine how control will transfer from the government to the Hindu community. Thereafter, the proposal should be made into an election issue. It is important to remember that Hindus are the only community worldwide denied the basic right to administer their places of worship. The writer is Former Director General, Multi-Disciplinary School of Economic Intelligence, and National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes & Narcotics. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 16, 2025, 10:34 IST News opinion Opinion | Why It's Time To Prepare A Draft Blueprint For Liberation Of Temples Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. 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