After her government was reprimanded by the Delhi High Court for granting parole to Jessica Lal murder convict Manu Sharma, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Friday defended the decision, saying nothing “illegal or unlawful” was done in extending the benefit to Sharma.

“Whatever has happened is normal and I do not want to say anything more on this. We have not done anything that is illegal or unlawful,” she said. Dikshit had signed on the file paving the way for granting parole to Sharma.

The comments come a day after Delhi Police Commissioner Y S Dadwal said the police did not recommend extending parole to Sharma.

Earlier this week, the High Court had come down hard on the government for giving preferential treatment to Sharma in granting parole, while neglecting pleas of “poor” prisoners.

Asked about HC’s observations, Dikshit justified her position, saying “whatever files I receive, they come through proper channels”.