### Direction to Competent Authority to Decide Pending Remission Application Within Stipulated Timeframe

The petitioner was convicted on November 14, 2011, by the 2nd Additional Sessions Judge, Ambikapur, for offences under Sections 302 and 201 of the IPC and sentenced to life imprisonment.

He has been incarcerated since March 5, 2010, completing over 16 years of actual sentence and approximately 22 years including earned remissions.

In 2024, the petitioner submitted an application for the remission of his remaining sentence under Section 432 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, which remains pending before the State Sentence Review Board.

The petitioner filed the current writ petition seeking a direction for the respondents to grant remission or decide his pending application.

Whether the respondent authorities are obligated to decide the petitioner’s pending remission application within a specific timeframe under the statutory framework of Section 432 CrPC.

The court primarily considered Section 432 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, which empowers the State Government to suspend or remit sentences.

The court also relied on the principle of administrative efficiency and the right of a life convict to have their eligibility for premature release considered by the State Sentence Review Board/Competent Authority once the requisite period of incarceration is met.

The Court noted that the petitioner has served a substantial period—exceeding 22 years with remissions—making him eligible for consideration for premature release.

The Court observed that while the petitioner had already moved an application for remission in 2024, the State had not yet reached a final decision.

Acknowledging the State Counsel's submission that the matter was *sub judice* before the competent authority, the Court determined that the appropriate remedy was to ensure the administrative process is completed without further delay.

The Court did not adjudicate on the merits of the remission itself but focused on the procedural necessity of a timely decision by the executive branch.

The decision must be made strictly in accordance with the law.