The Andhra Pradesh High Court has allowed a life convict to attend his son's wedding despite restrictions under the parole rules. The convict, Vennapusa Gangadhar Reddy, is currently serving a life sentence in Kadapa Central Prison. His son, Vennapusa Raghunath Reddy, approached the court through a writ appeal after his father's parole was denied due to another co-accused being out on parole.
The Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur and Justice R. Raghunandan Rao, passed the order on May 8, 2025. The Court acknowledged that although the standard rules did not allow multiple convicts of the same crime to be on parole simultaneously, the occasion of the son’s wedding was an exceptional situation.
“In terms of Rule 27 of the Rules, the Superintendent of Central Prison is of the view that since another convict, Vemireddy Bala Chinnareddy, is already out on parole, releasing the petitioner's father may lead to law and order complications. However, considering the peculiar facts and circumstances of this case, we feel that the interests of justice warrant an exception,” the Bench stated.
Background and Rule Interpretation
The matter arose when Raghunath Reddy requested temporary parole for his father to attend his wedding scheduled for May 11, 2025. Although the prison authorities had previously granted parole, this time they held back the approval. Their objection was based on Rule 27 of the Suspension of Sentence on Parole Rules, 2024, as stated in G.O. Ms. No.04, dated January 6, 2025. According to the Rule, simultaneous parole for co-convicts involved in the same case can lead to public order issues.
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The State argued that one co-convict, Vemireddy Bala Chinnareddy, had already been released on parole starting March 29, 2025, for 30 days, which was later extended by another 15 days. His parole was set to end only on May 14, 2025. As per the State's view, Raghunath’s father could only be considered for parole after this period.
The Court, however, held a broader view.
“On perusal of Rule 27, it appears the Superintendent must exercise caution while granting parole to co-convicts. But in this case, since the petitioner’s marriage is on May 11, an exception can be made,” the Court observed.
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Taking into account the significance of the event and balancing public order concerns, the Court directed the prison authorities to make arrangements accordingly.
“The Superintendent, Central Prison, Kadapa, is ordered to organize proper police escort to the convict on May 10, 2025, to attend the wedding in the village and return him to custody by 5:00 PM on May 12, 2025,” the Bench ordered.
The appeal was then disposed of.
Case Number: WRIT APPEAL NO: 597 of 2025
Case Title: Vennapusa Raghunath Reddy Vs. The State of Andhra Pradesh and others
Date: 08.05.2025
