Dozens of prisoners in Gujarat will spend Diwali with their families this year. The state government has approved 15 days of parole for 143 eligible prisoners across its jails, beginning on Dhanteras, 6 November 2026. They are 103 men aged 60 or above and 40 women.
As part of its prisoner welfare initiatives and prison reform programme, the Gujarat government has decided to give prisoners a chance to celebrate Diwali with their families. Prisoners serving sentences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act or the Prevention of Terrorism Act are also left out, as are those involved in terrorist activities or activities harmful to the state’s economy. With the state government’s approval, 143 eligible prisoners will be released on Diwali parole for 15 days from Dhanteras, November 6, 2026. They include 103 male prisoners aged 60 or above and 40 female prisoners. Earlier reporting noted: Gujarat government to grant 15-day Diwali parole to 143 eligible prisoners in state In an initiative aimed at advancing prison reforms and prisoner welfare, the Gujarat government has sanctioned a 15-day Diwali parole for 143 eligible inmates across various correctional facilities in the state. Earlier reporting noted: Since 2003, the state government has been granting 15 days of parole leave to prisoners every year on the occasion of Diwali. Under this policy, the benefit is extended to eligible female prisoners and eligible male prisoners aged 60 years or above, enabling them to celebrate Diwali with their family members, the release said.
Dr K L N Rao, Director General of Police for the Gujarat Prisons and Correctional Department, said that under state government rules, prisoners involved in serious offences are not eligible for Diwali parole. Earlier reporting noted: According to a press release, as part of the state government’s prisoner welfare initiatives and prison reform programme, an important decision has been taken to provide prisoners with an opportunity to celebrate the Diwali festival with their families.
Those excluded include prisoners whose appeals are pending before the High Court, non-resident Indian prisoners and prisoners belonging to other states.
