Supreme Court nixes 'behave decently' rider for remission

NEW DELHI: Observing that the term ' decent ' is not defined in any law and is subjective, open to different interpretations, SC stated that the condition to "behave decently" could not be imposed on a convict when granting remission , as such a condition is vague and open to misuse.

SC on Tuesday said a convict cannot seek remission as a matter of right, but has the right to say that his case for relief ought to be considered in accordance with the law and conditions imposed on him must be reasonable. SC made the remark while quashing Gujarat government's decision to impose a condition on a convict to behave decently for two years after coming out of jail and any violation of it could result in cancellation of remission. "The words 'decent' or 'decently' are not defined in CrPC . The idea of decency keeps on changing with time," SC said.