But in the present case, none of this applied. The papers revealed that on a couple of occasions a mother’s illness, then a daughter’s illness and finally ‘own need for specialised treatment’ were cited as reasons for parole by the convict. In all the cases, there had been no opposition to the parole either from the magistrate’s court or the high court. Despite the oft-expressed fears and protests of witnesses, there does not appear to have been any police objection to these frequent releases.

Taking the matter to its logical conclusion would require further battles. For this applicant, it is too hard a road. However, ever since the request for the information the convicted murderers have not been spotted in their village.

Daruwala is director and Kotwal is project coordinator, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative