Clearing up the jails is a great idea
Release of a large no. of undertrials who have already spent significant amount of time in jails awaiting trial is a very welcome step. It is an irony that most people in our jails have not been convicted, but are awaiting trial (often for petty crimes). About 200,000 of 300,000 undertrials, many of whom have served more than 50% of the maximum jail term that could be awarded for the charges against them but are still waiting for their trial to begin are proposed to be freed. This will significantly reduce the burden on our jails, save taxpayer money without compromising our sense of justice. Undertrials awaiting justice for heinous crimes & crimes related to national security will not benefit, which again is a good thing.
Closure of a large no. of cases against these undertrials will also help speedier delivery of justice in other cases that will still continue, and allow people who have already spent significant amount of time in jails a fresh lease of life and an opportunity to mend their ways before the system practically kills their spirit.
