‘Free them if 1/3rd of max term served’: SC orders fast-track release of first-time offenders

The Supreme Court gave a retrospective application to a law mandating the release of undertrial first-time offenders who have served one-third of their maximum sentence. Jail superintendents were ordered to facilitate bail for eligible prisoners within two months, with no early release for those accused of heinous crimes. Data on released prisoners will be reviewed in October.