Delhi High Court extends murder convict's parole by 4 weeks to save flood-hit farmland

The Delhi High Court recently extended the parole of a murder convict by four weeks to manage and save his 1.5-acre farmland devastated by recent floods [Praveen Rana v State GNCT of Delhi]. 

Justice Arun Monga observed that the destruction of crops due to floods was an “act of God” and that the petitioner Praveen Rana’s presence was essential for safeguarding his family’s only source of income. 

“The Petitioner’s continued presence in not only unforeseen, being an act of God (heavy rains) but otherwise also appears to be necessary for sustaining his family’s only source of livelihood on which his widowed mother and two minor children are entirely dependent,” the Court said. 

It noted that since the flood water has now started to recede, urgent measures are required to restore and protect the farmland, including financial arrangements and use of fertilizers, pesticides and other essential inputs. 

“Without the petitioner’s active supervision, the agricultural recovery process cannot be effectively undertaken, jeopardising the survival and education of his dependent family members,” the Court said. 

Rana, who was earlier released on parole on August 18, approached the court on the last day of his parole period, seeking an extension. His lawyers argued that his agricultural work remained incomplete due to heavy rainfall that had inundated his 1.5-acre field, destroying crops sown during a furlough in June. 

The petition highlighted that Rana’s widowed mother and two school-going children, aged 14 and 15, rely entirely on the farm for their livelihood, education and daily needs. 

After considering the case, the Court extended the parole but said that the same shall be treated as a second parole. 

Advocates Akshai Malik and Khawar Saleem appeared for petitioner Praveen Rana. 

Additional Standing Counsel Rupali Bandhopadhya with advocate Abhijeet appeared for the State. 

[Read Order]