Gujarat government grants 15-day Diwali parole to 143 eligible prisoners
The parole, which begins on November 6, 2026, includes 40 female inmates and 103 male prisoners aged 60 or above.
The Gujarat government has sanctioned 15-day Diwali parole for 143 eligible inmates in various state jails, according to reports by Hindustan Times and ANI. The decision was made under the guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi as part of prisoner welfare and reform programmes.
The parole period will start from Dhanteras on November 6, 2026. The group of beneficiaries consists of 40 female prisoners and 103 male prisoners who are aged 60 years or older.
The state has been providing this 15-day leave every year for the Diwali festival since 2003. This policy allows specific eligible inmates to spend the festival with their families.
Director General of Police (Gujarat Prisons and Correctional Department) K L N Rao stated that prisoners involved in serious offences are not eligible for this parole. Excluded individuals include those with pending High Court appeals, NRI prisoners, and those from other states.
Other excluded categories include prisoners serving sentences under the NDPS Act, TADA, and POTA. The government also excludes those involved in terrorism, activities harming the state economy, or those convicted of crimes such as robbery, kidnapping, rape, theft, or extortion.