Nov 6- Two undertrials at the Colvale State Central Jail who are first-time offenders and have served one-third of the maximum sentence will be released on bail on personal bond under the provisions of the newly introduced criminal law, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita(BNSS), 2023. As per earlier applicable CrPC, if an undertrial had served half the maximum imprisonment for an offence, he could be released on a personal bond. The BNSS had retained this provision adding that first-time offenders get bail after serving one-third of the maximum sentence. However, it adds that this provision will not apply to offences punishable by life imprisonment, and where an investigation, inquiry or trial in more than one offence or in multiple cases are pending. Of the 500 odd inmates in the jail only two have qualified for the bail under the new provisions.
