Ramesh Chennithala Appeals to Kerala Governor Against Remission for Murder Convict
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Synopsis
On January 31, Ramesh Chennithala urged Kerala Governor Arlekar to deny remission for murder convict Sherin, citing dangers of setting a precedent and eroding public trust in justice.
Key Takeaways
- Ramesh Chennithala appeals against remission for Sherin.
- The convict received life imprisonment for murder in 2009.
- Concerns raised about political influence on remission decisions.
- Public trust in the judiciary is at risk.
- Comparison shows Sherin spent more time out of prison.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 31 (NationPress) Former Home Minister and seasoned Congress figure Ramesh Chennithala penned a letter to Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Friday, urging him to refrain from commuting the sentence of a murder convict.
The convict, Sherin, received a life sentence for the murder of her father-in-law in 2009, serving a total of 20 years in prison. Earlier this week, the Pinarayi Vijayan administration, acting on recommendations from the Jail Advisory Committee and the Law Department, petitioned the Governor to exercise his powers to grant her remission.
In his correspondence, Chennithala warned the Governor that granting remission to Sherin could establish a perilous precedent, potentially prompting the government to make analogous decisions in the future, which could lead to the early release of other serious offenders.
“This would constitute a travesty of justice, resulting in lawlessness and chaos in the state. Furthermore, such a choice would significantly erode public confidence in the judiciary and legal framework,” Chennithala emphasized.
The Congress leader also highlighted that due to Sherin's considerable political connections, she has frequently obtained parole. A simple comparison of her time spent incarcerated versus her time out reveals that she has been free for the majority of her sentence.
The revelation that the Vijayan government has approached Arlekar for Sherin's remission sparked widespread criticism, particularly from the deceased's family, who voiced strong opposition to the government's action.
Sherin, the primary accused in the Karanavar murder case, along with two accomplices, has been serving life sentences since 2010.
Reports suggest that a prominent political figure within the Vijayan cabinet is influencing the swift processing of Sherin's sentence commutation request.
According to remission regulations, a prisoner must demonstrate exemplary behavior, be in special circumstances, or meet certain legal criteria. However, Sherin’s conduct in prison has attracted negative attention, leading to her transfer between various facilities within the state.
Moreover, other inmates who have served over 20 years remain unconsidered for parole, with Sherin being uniquely singled out.
Sherin's father-in-law, Bhaskara Karanavar, aged 65, had returned from the US and was residing with his son and daughter-in-law Sherin in Chengannur, located in Alappuzha district.
In November 2009, he was discovered murdered at his home. Following an investigation, police identified Sherin and her lover as the primary suspects. Despite her appeals to overturn the decision, the Supreme Court affirmed the lower court's ruling, resulting in her life sentence alongside her lover.
