Bengaluru, August 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the premature release of 28 life-term prisoners on grounds of good conduct and other eligibility criteria, Home, Information Technology and Biotechnology and E-Governance Minister Priyank Kharge said on Friday.
The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
Kharge said the Cabinet examined 45 cases of life-term prisoners lodged in various central prisons across Karnataka. The cases were assessed based on prescribed government guidelines, including the prisoners’ conduct, period of incarceration and other eligibility conditions.
Following the scrutiny, the Cabinet approved the premature release of 28 prisoners. It also approved the release of one additional life-term prisoner subject to obtaining the consent of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, taking the total number of prisoners eligible for premature release to 29.
Kharge said the Cabinet’s decision would now be forwarded to the Governor for approval.
The Cabinet also approved the procurement and installation of advanced technological equipment to modernise and strengthen the state’s Prisons Department.
The proposed measures include Artificial Intelligence-based cameras, portable signal jammers and a Prisoner Calling System, among other equipment. The technology is aimed at improving security, surveillance and operational efficiency across prisons.
Kharge said the move was necessary in view of emerging challenges facing prison administration.
“Given the changing challenges, it is necessary to adopt advanced technology in the Prisons Department as well. This step has been taken to strengthen security and surveillance further,” he said.
The AI-powered cameras and other systems are expected to strengthen monitoring, prevent unauthorised activities and improve security within prison premises.
The Cabinet’s decisions are part of the state government’s broader efforts to modernise prison administration through technology-based security and surveillance systems.
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