Kerala High Court Grants Leave to Life Convict for LLB Internship
In a heartening decision, the Kerala High Court has given a big break to a life convict studying law. On Monday, the court approved 10 days of ordinary leave for him to complete his mandatory internship from September 10 to 16. This move highlights how the Indian justice system supports education even behind bars.
The convict, serving life imprisonment at the Central Prison and Correctional Centre in Kannur, got convicted under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code for murder. But that hasn’t stopped him from chasing his dreams. He’s now in his fourth semester of a three-year LLB course at KMCT Law College in Kuttippuram. So far, he’s been attending online classes from prison, showing real dedication.
Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan heard the case and drew from a key precedent in Pattakka Suresh Babu v. State of Kerala. In that earlier ruling, a division bench of the Kerala High Court said prisoners who want higher education should get online class access. They also allowed leaves for things like internal exams or other must-do academic tasks. "I agree with the division bench’s view," the court said in its order, making it clear why this leave makes sense.
The student first asked the prison authorities for permission to attend the one-week in-person internship, a key part of his law course curriculum. But the Superintendent didn’t respond, so he turned to the Kerala High Court for help. The court stepped in and directed the Jail Superintendent to grant the 10-day leave, but with some conditions to keep things secure.
Before heading out, the convict must sign a bond of Rs 1 lakh, backed by two sureties of the same amount. The prison authorities will check if everything’s in order. This setup ensures he returns safely while getting his education.
This Kerala High Court ruling really spotlights the right to education for prisoners in India. It balances rehab chances with public safety, proving that even life convicts can build a better future through studies. As more such cases come up, it shows the judiciary’s push for reform in the prison system.
