Zeenews Bureau
New Delhi: Despite being under attack from opposition parties, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit on Monday defended the special parole given to Manu Sharma, convicted for murdering model Jessica Lall in 1999.
Speaking to reporters, Dixit said, “My submission in this regard would be that nothing is illegal in Manu Sharma being given parole as all rules were followed in this case.”
“There is nothing unusual as a request for parole often comes from the jail authorities about a prisoner on account of his good behaviour on various grounds or whatever. It is then reviewed by the Home Secretary, top police officials and then forwarded to me for acceptance. There are certain norms and procedures, which are followed and it is not done on our whim and fancy,” she said.
Dixit also rejected allegations that her government had overlooked established procedures while granting Manu Sharma a special parole - As his father is a senior leader of Congress party in Harayana.
The BJP and the CPM on Sunday called it a violation of laws and demanded a " non- partisan" approach from the Congress.
The Dixit government is also facing flak as now reports suggest that Manu Sharma –after getting parole on the basis of his plea that his mother is ill – was seen enjoying at a night club in Chandigarh.
Moreover, his supposedly sick mother was spotted holding a news conference in Chandigarh.
The press meet was held at the Sharma family- owned Piccadilly Hotel.
Shakti Rani was announcing an under- 19 national women's cricket tournament in the company of Nutan Gavaskar, the secretary of Women's Cricket Association of India.
First Published: Monday, November 09, 2009, 14:31