151+310 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CRWP No.11577 of 2024 (O&M) Date of decision: 07.05.2026 Somnath …Petitioner Versus State of Haryana and others …Respondents CORAM: HON’BLE MS. JUSTICE MANDEEP PANNU Present :- Mr. Vijay K. Jindal, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Vaibhav Sharma, AAG, Haryana for the respondents. ***** MANDEEP PANNU, J. (Oral) 1. The present petition has been filed under Articles 226/227 of the Constitution of India seeking issuance of a writ directing the respondents to consider the case of the petitioner for grant of premature release on completion of 10 years actual sentence and 14 years total sentence including remissions in terms of para 2(b) of the policy dated 08.08.2000 (Annexure P-5). The petitioner has further prayed for issuance of a writ holding that he has already undergone the requisite period of sentence and fulfills all the requisite conditions for the purpose of premature release and that his further detention without consideration of his premature release case is violative of Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution of India. 2. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner NEETU RANI 2026.05.08 15:57 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment PHHC, CHD CRWP No.11577 of 2024 (O&M) -2- has already moved a representation dated 25.08.2025 (Annexure P-12), which was addressed to the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, ADR Centre, Sirsa, for onward transmission and consideration by the competent authorities of the State regarding his claim for premature release. It is submitted that despite lapse of sufficient time, no decision has been taken thereupon till date. 3. On the other hand, learned State counsel submits that the aforesaid representation is still pending consideration. 4. Without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, the present petition is disposed of with a direction to the respondents/competent authority of the State to consider and decide the claim/representation of the petitioner (Annexure P-12), in accordance with law and the applicable policy, by passing a speaking order, expeditiously, preferably within a period of one month from the date of receipt of certified copy of this order. 5. All pending applications, if any, also stand disposed of. (MANDEEP PANNU) 07.05.2026 JUDGE neetu Whether speaking/reasoned: Yes/No Whether Reportable: Yes/No NEETU RANI 2026.05.08 15:57 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment PHHC, CHD