He moved the high court again last year, seeking premature release on grounds that he has already served 17 years of actual imprisonment and 23 years of imprisonment with remissions. He contended that the government’s order is violative of the 1992 guidelines, which form the basis for consideration of cases for premature release of life convicts.

When the case came up for hearing, the state government produced a similar letter, dated April 20, which said that Sohel has to undergo at least 50 years of actual imprisonment or attain the age of 65 years in view of the amended guidelines of December 18, 2008. As per this, the state has powers to expand the sentence without the consent of the convict on grounds that if the convict is released, he might commit similar offences.

The letter said there are no specific guidelines for premature release to deal with cases involving terrorist acts. The court adjourned the case till July 8 for the state to produce an order regarding their stand so that, if need be, the petitioner can challenge the same.

Sohel, who hails from Haryana, and accomplice Ravindrasingh were convicted after it was established that they had joined one Padamsingh, the area commander for Maharashtra, in creating terror by way of bomb blasts in trains and public places. They raised funds by looting the rich and business firms and got their supply of ammunition and explosives from Punjab. While the two were convicted to life, another accused Hardeep Singh was acquitted.

... contd.