KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 18 (MExN): The Governor of Nagaland has granted remission of sentences to 41 convicted prisoners in the State, on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day, the Home Department has informed. The order followed a proposal submitted by the Director General of Prisons and was issued under Article 161 of the Constitution of India.
The remission covers convicts lodged in various jails across Nagaland and outside, who have been sentenced to rigorous imprisonment by courts other than Court Martial. The order, however, excludes cases falling under Sub-section 6 of Section 432 of the Criminal Procedure Code, or under laws where executive power rests with the Central Government.
According to the Home Department, remission has been extended to 17 convicts in Central Jail Dimapur, two each in District Jails Dimapur and Kohima, eight in Mon, three in Wokha, four in Tuensang, three in Phek, and two in Longleng. No convicts were eligible in the district jails of Peren, Mokokchung, Kiphire and Zunheboto.
The scale of remission varies according to the term of sentence: 30 days for those sentenced to 10 years and above, 20 days for those serving between five and 10 years, 10 days for convicts with sentences between one and five years, and five days for those sentenced up to one year.
However, the order specifically rules out remission for prisoners convicted under the Foreigners Act, Passport Act, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Official Secrets Act, Criminal Amendment Act, Prevention of Corruption Act, and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. Exclusion also applies to prisoners convicted of serious offences such as waging war against the State, rape, attempt to rape, or assault on women. Foreign nationals and those found violating jail discipline by intimidation, assault or smuggling contraband are also ineligible.
Officials said the remission reflects the spirit of the Independence Day celebrations and is aimed at recognising good conduct among prisoners, while reiterating that strict action will continue against those violating prison rules. The order took effect from September 12, 2025.
