Breaking: Punjab and Haryana High Court directs Jagtar Singh Hawara to approach Delhi Jail Superintendent for parole
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, July 6, 2026: The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday disposed of a petition filed by Jagtar Singh Hawara seeking parole, directing him to submit his application before the Superintendent of the Delhi jail where he is currently lodged, holding that the competent authority to consider the plea rests with the Delhi prison administration.
During the hearing, Hawara's counsel argued that he has remained in judicial custody for the last 29 years and that this was the first time he had sought parole. The plea was moved on humanitarian grounds, stating that Hawara's nearly 80-year-old mother is suffering from advanced Parkinson's disease and dementia, requiring continuous care and assistance.
The counsel further submitted that Hawara is the only son of his parents and that his father has already passed away, leaving no one else in the family to look after his ailing mother. It was also pointed out that only one Special Leave Petition (SLP) is presently pending before the Supreme Court, while in most of the other criminal cases he has either been acquitted or the proceedings have already concluded.
Opposing the petition, counsel representing the Union Territory of Chandigarh argued that since Hawara is lodged in a Delhi prison, the authority to examine and decide his parole application lies exclusively with the Delhi Jail Superintendent.
The UT administration also expressed serious security concerns, contending that if Hawara is granted parole, there is a possibility that he could come into contact with members or supporters of the banned militant outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). It submitted that, considering his past record and alleged ideological association with the organisation, such contact could potentially revive extremist activities and pose a threat to public order, security and the integrity of the country.
After considering the submissions of both sides, the High Court refrained from deciding the merits of the parole request and instead laid down the procedure to be followed for processing the application.
The court directed Hawara to first submit his parole application to the Delhi Jail Superintendent. It ordered that upon receiving the application, the Delhi Jail Superintendent shall forward it within one week, through the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, to the Home Secretary, Union Territory Chandigarh.
The High Court further directed that the Home Secretary shall forward the application to the Sessions Judge, Chandigarh, who will obtain a confidential report from the Senior Superintendent of Police, Fatehgarh Sahib regarding the matter. After examining the report, the Sessions Judge will send it back to the Home Secretary, who will, within one month, forward the complete record and recommendations to the Delhi Jail Superintendent.
The court clarified that the final decision on Hawara's parole application shall be taken by the Delhi Jail Superintendent in accordance with the applicable law after completion of the prescribed process.