In a rare emotional ruling, the Kerala HC granted 15 days parole to a life convict to marry his partner who stood by him despite his conviction. The Court stated, “Love Recognizes No Barriers”.
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KERALA: In a remarkable demonstration of judicial empathy and human sensitivity, the Kerala High Court has allowed a life convict 15 days of parole to marry a woman who has remained deeply committed to him despite the shadows of his incarceration.
The Court, while passing this emotionally resonant order in Sathy v. State of Kerala & Ors, showcased that the law, when infused with compassion, becomes not just a mechanism of justice, but also of humanity.
Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan, who presided over the case, made it abundantly clear that the Court’s concern extended beyond legal provisions to the emotional and human dimensions involved.
The judge noted that the convict’s partner had not only accepted his past but had remained unwavering in her decision to marry him, even though he would remain behind bars for the foreseeable future. Her resilience, strength, and love became the cornerstone of the Court’s empathetic judgment.
The judgment opened with a quote by the celebrated poet Maya Angelou,
“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”
Justice Kunhikrishnan made a touching observation,
“I am looking at this case from the angle of that girl who decided to marry the convict. Even after the convict was sentenced to undergo life imprisonment, her love continues. In other words, she says that ‘you are my today, my tomorrow, and my forever.’ She says that ‘you are my soul mate, my partner, my best friend.’ This Court cannot neglect the brave stand of that girl who is ready to marry the convict, even though she knows that her partner is in jail and is undergoing life imprisonment. I am exercising my extraordinary jurisdiction to grant parole to the convict for a period of 15 days.”
The parole application had initially been submitted by the convict’s mother, seeking emergency leave so her son could marry his partner on July 13, 2025. The jail authorities, however, denied the request on the grounds that the Kerala Prisons and Correctional Services (Management) Rules did not have any specific provision allowing parole for a convict’s own marriage.
Faced with such rigidity, the convict’s mother approached the Kerala High Court by filing a criminal writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution. Article 226 empowers High Courts to issue directions, orders, or writs to ensure justice, even in cases where statutory remedies may be inadequate or unavailable.
Justice Kunhikrishnan, invoking this extraordinary jurisdiction, ruled that the Court was well within its rights to grant parole in the interest of justice and humanity. The Court stated,
“I am of the considered opinion that 15 days’ parole can be given to the convict. Let that girl be happy, and this Court showers all blessings upon her.”
The Court further noted that the marriage had been arranged well before the conviction, thereby establishing the genuineness of the relationship and quelling any doubts of it being a tactical move. The petitioner’s legal team, comprising Advocates P. Mohamed Sabah, Libin Stanley, Saipooja, Sadik Ismayil, R. Gayathri, M. Mahin Hamza, Alwin Joseph, and Benson Ambrose, presented the case with care and clarity.
Senior Public Prosecutor Seetha S represented the State, and although the State did not initially support the parole on procedural grounds, the Court ultimately upheld the principle that justice must not be blind to human emotions.
The Kerala High Court directed the prison authorities to release the convict for a 15-day period, from July 12 to July 26, 2025. It also mandated that he report back to the prison by 4 PM on July 26, ensuring that due process and accountability were not compromised.
Case Title: Sathy v State of Kerala & ors
WP(CRL.) NO. 874 OF 2025
READ JUDGMENT HERE
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