What is Parole and Furlough?

In the Indian criminal justice system, parole and furlough are reformative tools designed to humanize imprisonment.

Parole is a discretionary release granted for specific, urgent needs, such as a family death or medical emergency. It is not an absolute right and is usually deducted from the total sentence.

In contrast, furlough is viewed as a substantive right for long-term convicts to maintain social ties and break the monotony of jail. It requires no specific reason and is counted as time served.

Both mechanisms aim to prevent "institutionalization," though neither is typically granted to those deemed a threat to national security.