Jessica Lall's killer Manu Sharma moves HC for parole

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court today sought the city police stand on a plea for parole by Manu Sharma, who is serving life term in Tihar Jail for killing ramp model Jessica Lall in 1999.

Issuing notice to Delhi Police, a bench of Justice V K Shali sought its reply within a week on Sharma's plea for parole to attend his brother's marriage and related functions scheduled between November 10 and 21.

The court sought police response on Sharma's plea for parole, while referring to his previous conduct, and saying that he had been visiting discotheques, violating the parole conditions on an earlier occasion.

The bench, however, issued notice after his counsel argued that according to the guidelines for granting parole, the conduct of only past one year has to be considered.

Parole is temporary release of a convict from prison prior to the end of the tenure of his sentence, subject to certain conditions.

"Counsel for appellant (Sharma) submits that only conduct of last one year has to be seen for parole as per guidelines. The petitioner's brother is getting married on November 21, and functions start from November 10. Issue notice. Reply within one week," the bench said.

The court, however, posted the matter for next hearing on November 14 and declined Sharma's plea for an early date saying, "He need not attend all functions".

Sharma's parole had already been rejected by the administrative side of the high court on October 21.