In Brief
Satish and another were convicted of kidnapping and weapons offences under the IPC and Arms Act. After nearly twenty years in prison, they sought premature release on probation. The Supreme Court found that although applicable statutory provisions permitted such release, executive authorities had repeatedly failed to apply their mind or give reasoned decisions despite court directions. The Court exercised judicial review and mandamus powers to direct their conditional release on probation within two weeks, balancing their lengthy incarceration and good conduct against public safety through imposable conditions. The release remains revocable for breach or further misconduct.
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