The Nagaland government has granted remission to 29 eligible convicted prisoners across eight jails in the state, effective August 15, 2026, to mark the 80th Independence Day.
DIMAPUR — The Government of Nagaland has granted remission of sentences to specified categories of convicted prisoners in commemoration of the 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026.
According to a DIPR report, the remission was granted by the Governor of Nagaland in exercise of powers conferred under Article 161 of the Constitution of India, through an order issued by the Home Department. The order covers eligible prisoners convicted by courts, other than court martial, having criminal jurisdiction in Nagaland and sentenced to rigorous imprisonment.
The remission is applicable to eligible prisoners lodged in jails within Nagaland as well as outside the state, subject to specified conditions and exclusions.
The scale of remission has been prescribed according to the length of sentence. Prisoners sentenced to 10 years and above are eligible for 30 days’ remission; those sentenced to five years and below 10 years, 20 days; those sentenced to one year and below five years, 10 days; and those sentenced to up to one year, five days.
However, the remission is not admissible in cases involving offences or orders referred to under Section 473 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, or where the sentence has been passed under laws in respect of which the executive powers of the Central Government extend.
Several categories of convicted prisoners have also been excluded from the benefit. These include prisoners convicted under the Foreigners Act, Passport Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act; Sections 3 to 10 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923; and Sections 2 and 3 of the Criminal Amendment Act, 1961.
The exclusions further cover prisoners convicted under Sections 121 to 130 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Sections 107 and 109 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
Prisoners convicted of rape, attempt to rape or assault on women are also not eligible for remission. Foreign nationals convicted under any Act are likewise excluded.
In addition, convicted prisoners found violating jail rules and discipline are not eligible. This includes those involved in threatening, intimidating, quarrelling with or assaulting fellow prisoners or jail staff, as well as those involved in smuggling contraband or prohibited articles.
In a separate order, the Governor also granted remission to 29 eligible convicted prisoners lodged in various jails across Nagaland, based on a proposal submitted by the Director General of Prisons, Nagaland.
The remission will take effect from August 15, 2026.
Central Jail, Dimapur, recorded the highest number of beneficiaries with nine prisoners, followed by District Jail, Mon, with six and District Jail, Mokokchung, with five. District Jail, Kohima had three beneficiaries, while District Jail, Longleng and District Jail, Phek had two each. District Jail, Tuensang and District Jail, Wokha had one beneficiary each.
In total, 29 convicted prisoners across eight jails in the state have been granted remission. No prisoners were listed for remission from District Jail, Dimapur, District Jail, Kiphire, District Jail, Peren or District Jail, Zunheboto.