Sanjay Dutt asks for further furlough extension

This apparent leniency of the home department of Maharashtra state toward one individual, was questioned by the the Bombay High Court in February last year. Citing protests from various organisations, the HC had even told the government that the diligence shown in granting Dutt’s requests was not seen in cases of other convicts.

Yerawada jail superintendent Yogesh Desai said, “Every inmate who comes out on a furlough, applies for a 14-day extension, which he is entitled to. We have received his application for an extension and it is under process.”

As per the prison manual, a furlough is a right of every convict. It is granted by jail authorities (DIG in the case of Maharshtra state) based on the report of the prisoner in jail and a report from the police. On the other hand, a parole is granted in case inmate has a serious family issue like illness of a direct relative or a family function to attend. Parole is granted by the divisional commissioner based on all the necessary reports on illness and police report. A furlough can be extended once and parole twice.