HC seeks govt reply on Chautala’s plea for parole extension

New Delhi, August 23

The Delhi High Court on Friday sought a response of the Delhi Government on a plea by INLD chief OP Chautala, serving a 10-year jail term, who has sought extension of parole by four weeks to perform the last rites after his wife’s death.

Chautala was granted parole by the Delhi Government on August 12 following his wife’s death the previous day at a hospital in Gurugram. His parole is expiring on August 27. Justice Rajnish Bhatnagar asked the Delhi Government to respond to the plea and listed the matter for further hearing on August 26.

Chautala’s counsel said his presence was required at his house to observe the 40-day post-cremation rites. The petition, filed through Advocate Amit Sahni, said as the marriage of Chautala’s grandson was expected to be solemnised by the end of this year, the customary rites and ceremonies were required to be followed for 40 days. Chautala’s presence was essential for rendering prayers to his departed wife, it said.

He was earlier on parole in July to attend the engagement ceremony of his grandson. Chautala, his son Ajay and three others are serving 10-year jail term each in the case.

The father-son duo and 53 others, including two IAS officers, were among 55 persons convicted on January 16, 2013, by the trial court for illegally recruiting 3,206 JBT teachers in Haryana in 2000. — PTI