According to the Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, an amendment to the Penal Code is being proposed where the time spent in remand custody and the duration taken for the appeal hearing will be deducted from the total jail term. This initiative aims to address the disparity where some prisoners spend more time in remand custody and appeal processes than their actual jail sentences.
Minister Rajapakshe informed the Sunday Times that a committee, chaired by a High Court judge, will be responsible for determining the remission period to be granted. However, he clarified that individuals convicted for narcotic offenses and drug trafficking will not be eligible for remission.
The proposed amendment seeks to streamline the justice system by ensuring that individuals are not unfairly detained for extended periods beyond their prescribed sentences. This move underscores efforts to promote fairness and efficiency in the legal process.
The initiative, once approved by Parliament, is poised to bring significant changes to the penal system, offering relief to individuals who have faced prolonged periods in custody awaiting trial or appeal hearings.
