TVK ally VCK and Tamil Nadu Social Justice Minister Vanni Arasu wrote on his Facebook that he had met the state’s Law Minister C.T.R. Nirmalkumar and urged the government to take steps for the long-term parole and premature release of 22 Muslim prisoners who have spent several years in jail.
In a statement issued after the meeting held on 25 May 2026 on his Facebook handle, Vanni Arasu said a detailed memorandum regarding the release of Muslim prisoners was submitted to the minister. He stated that several long-term prisoners in Tamil Nadu, including Muslim inmates, had previously sought interim bail, extended leave and suspension of sentence from the state government before approaching courts individually for relief.
Referring to a judgment delivered by the Madras High Court last year, Vanni Arasu said a division bench comprising Justices Satheesh Kumar and Jyothiraman had ruled that the state government possesses the authority to decide on temporary leave, suspension of sentence and premature release of prisoners under Rule 40, which empowers the government to grant remission or exemption of punishment.
He quoted the judgment as stating that prisoners should not be forced to individually approach courts seeking interim bail and that the government itself must exercise its powers in such matters.
Vanni Arasu also referred to the Tamil Nadu Prisons (Release on Furlough) Rules, 2026, issued by the previous DMK government on February 14, which allows prisoners who have spent more than 10 years in prison to avail parole leave.
Under the rules, eligible prisoners can receive an initial parole leave of 60 days annually, with a further extension of 60 days subject to conditions. According to the statement, prisoners were released on parole on February 26 this year, but applications seeking extension of leave were temporarily kept pending due to the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct during the elections. As a result, they surrendered back to prison on April 26.
Vanni Arasu said the government was requested to sympathetically consider the demands of the 22 Muslim prisoners and their families by granting long-term parole initially and taking steps for their premature release in accordance with the law.
According to the statement, Law Minister C.T.R. Nirmalkumar assured the delegation that the matter would be discussed at the departmental level and that an appropriate decision would be taken soon.
Indian National League leader Basheer Ahmed and Mohamed Mansoor Qasibi were also present during the meeting.
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