Nellore MLA's Parole Advocacy for Life Convict Stalled: Home Department Rejection Fuels High Court Battle

A political storm is brewing in Andhra Pradesh as Nellore Rural MLA Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy has publicly slammed the Home Department for rejecting his recommendation for parole for a life convict, Srikanth. The MLA, visibly frustrated, expressed his deep disappointment, highlighting what he perceives as a blatant disregard for human rights and established government orders pertaining to prisoner rehabilitation.

The case revolves around Srikanth, an individual convicted in 2008 for the tragic murders of his wife and mother-in-law.

Having served a substantial 16 years behind bars, Srikanth, an orphan with no family to support him, found an unlikely advocate in MLA Sridhar Reddy. Reddy explained his involvement, stating, "Srikanth is an orphan, he has no one to sign the parole bond for him. As a human being, and recognizing his desire to integrate back into society, I wrote a letter recommending his parole and offered to sign the bond myself."

However, the MLA's compassionate plea met with an unexpected roadblock.

The Home Department reportedly turned down his recommendation, leaving Reddy to question the very principles of justice and rehabilitation. "The Home Department rejected my letter recommending parole for the life convict Srikanth. This is highly disheartening," Reddy declared, emphasizing that Srikanth's only desire is to get married and lead a normal, law-abiding life outside prison walls.

Reddy further pointed out a relevant Government Order (GO) that specifically permits parole for life convicts for the purpose of marriage, suggesting that Srikanth's request was well within legal precedents.

The MLA expressed his dismay, stating that while the state claims to uphold human rights, its actions, in this instance, appear to contradict those very ideals. "How can the government talk about human rights when it denies such a fundamental request for a prisoner who has already served a long term and wishes to reform?" he questioned, his voice reflecting a mix of anger and concern.

Undeterred by the initial setback, MLA Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy has vowed to take the matter to a higher authority.

He announced his intention to approach the High Court, seeking judicial intervention to secure parole for Srikanth. This move is expected to put the Home Department's decision under intense scrutiny, potentially setting a precedent for similar cases of prisoner rehabilitation and parole in the state.

The controversy underscores the ongoing debate surrounding prisoner rights, the role of political representatives in such matters, and the nuanced interpretation of justice and mercy within the legal framework.