Convicts freed during Covid told to return in 15 days

One-liner: The SC on Friday directed that all convicts and undertrial prisoners, who were released during the Covid pandemic to surrender within 15 days.

Can move for regular bail: A bench said undertrial prisoners, who were released on emergency bail during the pandemic, can move for regular bail before competent courts after their surrender.

• "All the convicts who were released during the pandemic after their surrender can move competent courts for suspension of their sentence", the bench said

Non-heinous offences: Several convicts and undertrial prisoners, mostly those who were booked for non-heinous offences, were released during the pandemic in various states on the recommendations of a high-powered committee set up pursuant to directions of the apex court.