HC extends furlough of prisoner due to coronavirus outbreak

Mumbai, Apr 9 () The Bombay High Court on Thursdayextended till April 30 the furlough of a prisoner consideringthe possibility of spread of coronavirus in jail.

The prisoner, Akshay Chavriya, a resident of Nashik,was on furlough since February 2020. His leave was to end onApril 12.

He sought another extension from the court citing thespread of coronavirus.

The prisoner submitted through his lawyer that it wasnot possible for him to surrender before jail authorities dueto the unprecedented situation caused by COVID-19 outbreak.

The public prosecutor opposed his plea saying thatother prisoners who were on furlough have already surrenderedthemselves.

However, Justice A M Badar accepted Chavriya's plea.

"Considering the menace of COVID-19 and thepossibility of spreading the infection in the prison, the jailauthorities are directed to extend the furlough leave of theapplicant," the court said. AVINP NP