Thiruvananthapuram: The procedures for releasing certain categories of prisoners as part of celebrating 75th anniversary of Indian Independence is happening in a full-fledged manner.

The Union Home Ministry had directed all State governments to release specific categories of convicted prisoners who have consistently maintained good conduct during their term in prisons -- especially those with no punishment during the convict period in the last three years. The prisoners will be released in a phased manner on the dates August 15, 2022, January 26, 2023 and August 15, 2023.

Based on the Union government’s directive, the Kerala government forwarded the list of prisoners to be released in the first phase, to the Governor. The list includes 33 convicts, including Manichan, who was sentenced in connection with the Kalluvathukkal hooch tragedy.

The procedures for the next two phases are ongoing. The lists are prepared by a committee in which secretaries of home and law department and jail department chief are the members. They will forward it to cabinet. Once the cabinet authorises the list, it will be sent for Governor’s scrutiny. The prisoners will be released when the Governor issues the order.