Chandigarh: The Union Home Ministry is reportedly considering granting limited parole to Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is lodged in Delhi’s Mandoli jail, amid concerns over the health of his elderly mother.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had written to Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria four days ago, seeking 10 days’ parole for Hawara on humanitarian grounds. Mann met the Governor again on Wednesday and reiterated the request, citing his mother’s deteriorating health.
Governor seeks medical report
According to sources, the Governor has sought a medical assessment of Hawara’s mother through a team of doctors from PGI. The report is understood to have been shared with the authorities.
Sources said Hawara’s mother has expressed a desire to meet her son, describing it as her final wish, amid her declining health.
The Governor has also been in contact with the Union Home Ministry over the matter. While the Punjab government is seeking 10 days’ parole, the Centre is reportedly considering a much shorter period.
Parole could be for hours or a day
Sources said the Union Home Ministry may consider granting Hawara parole for a few hours or possibly one day. A decision could reportedly be taken within the next day or two.
During his meeting with the Governor, Mann also assured him that the state government would ensure that law and order is maintained throughout any period of parole granted to Hawara.
Hawara has been in custody for around three decades. He has also approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, seeking four weeks’ parole. Sikh organisations have been demanding his parole for a long time, particularly on humanitarian grounds.
Who is Jagtar Singh Hawara?
Hawara was convicted in connection with the 1995 assassination of then Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh. A trial court awarded him the death penalty in 2007, but the Punjab and Haryana High Court commuted the sentence to life imprisonment in October 2010.
He is currently lodged in Mandoli Jail in New Delhi. He had previously been held at Burail Jail in Chandigarh, from where he escaped through a tunnel in 2004.
Security and intelligence agencies have historically opposed granting him parole, citing security concerns. The final decision on the proposed relief will depend on the authorities concerned.
