Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann seeks 10-day parole for Hawara to meet ailing mother
Synopsis
After 31 years behind bars in Burail Jail, Jagtar Singh Hawara's elderly mother lies semi-conscious — and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann has personally walked into the Governor's office to ask for a 10-day window for a son to see his mother. The Governor's recommendation is the sole procedural key that can open that door.
Key Takeaways
Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann met Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on 12 August in Chandigarh .
Mann requested a 10-day parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara on humanitarian grounds.
Hawara has been held in Burail Jail, Chandigarh , for the past 31 years .
His mother is described as elderly, suffering from age-related ailments, and currently semi-conscious .
The Governor's recommendation is procedurally required as the case is being heard in Delhi .
The Punjab government has assured full responsibility for law and order if parole is granted.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday, 12 August called on Governor Gulab Chand Kataria in Chandigarh and formally requested his intervention to grant a 10-day parole to Jagtar Singh Hawara on humanitarian grounds. Mann said Hawara's elderly mother, who is currently semi-conscious and suffering from age-related ailments, has a renewed hope of meeting her son after 31 years.
Why the Governor's Intervention Is Needed
Jagtar Singh Hawara has been lodged in Burail Jail, Chandigarh, for the past 31 years. Since the case is being heard in Delhi, the Governor — in his capacity as Administrator of Chandigarh — must provide a formal recommendation before any parole decision can be taken. Chief Minister Mann made this procedural necessity clear during his meeting with the Governor.
What CM Mann Said
Appealing to the humanitarian dimension of the case, Mann said, 'Jagtar Singh Hawara has been lodged in Burail Jail, Chandigarh, for the last 31 years. His mother is old and suffering from age-related health issues and is currently semi-conscious.'
He added, 'In view of her deteriorating health condition, I have requested the Governor to kindly consider granting 10 days' parole to Jagtar Singh Hawara at the earliest so that he can meet his mother.'
Punjab Government's Law and Order Assurance
Mann assured the Governor that the Punjab government would take full responsibility for maintaining law and order should the parole be granted. He noted that Hawara's supporters and family members have also pledged their cooperation to the state government. 'The state government is fully committed to maintaining law and order and protecting the hard-earned peace of Punjab. No stone will be left unturned for this noble cause,' Mann said.
Broader Context
The request comes amid ongoing political sensitivity around high-profile prisoners in Punjab. The Chief Minister also assured the Governor of the state government's full support and cooperation in pursuing the matter with the Centre. Hawara's case has drawn renewed public attention given his prolonged incarceration and his mother's deteriorating health condition.
The Governor is yet to formally respond to the Chief Minister's request, and a decision is awaited.
Point of View
And the humanitarian framing is hard to contest. But Hawara is no ordinary convict — his case carries deep political resonance in Punjab, and the law-and-order guarantee Mann has offered will be scrutinised closely by security agencies. The real question is whether the Governor, constrained by the case's Delhi jurisdiction, will act swiftly enough given the mother's rapidly deteriorating condition. Delays in such cases have a way of rendering the relief moot.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jagtar Singh Hawara and why is he in jail?
Jagtar Singh Hawara is a prisoner who has been lodged in Burail Jail, Chandigarh, for the past 31 years. His case is currently being heard in Delhi, which is why the Chandigarh Administrator — the Governor — must provide a formal recommendation for any parole decision.
Why did Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann meet the Governor?
CM Mann met Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on 12 August to formally request a 10-day parole for Hawara on humanitarian grounds. Hawara's mother is elderly, suffering from age-related health issues, and is currently semi-conscious, prompting the appeal.
Why is the Governor's recommendation necessary for Hawara's parole?
Because the case is being heard in Delhi, the Governor of Punjab — who also serves as Administrator of Chandigarh — must formally recommend the parole before a decision can be taken. CM Mann cited this procedural requirement during his meeting.
What assurances has the Punjab government given regarding law and order?
CM Mann assured the Governor that the Punjab government will take full responsibility for maintaining law and order if parole is granted. He also noted that Hawara's family members and supporters have pledged their cooperation to the state government.
Has the Governor responded to the parole request?
As of the time of reporting, the Governor had not issued a formal response to Chief Minister Mann's request. A decision is awaited.
