Kerala High Court grants parole to life convict for IVF treatment, citing right to dignity

Kochi: The Kerala High Court has issued an order to grant parole to a life convict, allowing them to undergo In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment.

The court said that every individual has the right to live a dignified life and directed the Director-General of Prisons to facilitate the parole for the convict currently incarcerated in Viyyur.

The court recommended granting parole for a minimum of 15 days and instructed the Jail DGP to take action within two weeks.

Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan stated, "They have the right to live with dignity like any citizen." The convict's spouse submitted a letter from hospital authorities as part of their request for the husband's parole. Initially, the petitioner had approached the relevant authorities for a three-month parole, but their request was denied, leading them to approach the High Court.

The government lawyer expressed the opinion that parole could not be granted. However, the Court recognised the necessity of the convict's presence alongside the petitioner for three months for effective treatment.

The court stressed the importance of the purity of purpose behind such requests and cautioned against criminals using them as a means to secure release. It noted that each case would be considered based on the purity of intention.

The High Court's intervention came in response to a petition filed by the convict's spouse.

The Court's order reflects its commitment to addressing reasonable pleas without getting caught up in technicalities. It emphasised that punishment for crimes is also a form of repentance, and individuals who have completed their sentences should be viewed as part of society. Discrimination against individuals who have served their prison terms and have been released should be avoided.