Actor Sanjay Dutt granted parole for daughter's nose surgery

Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt has been granted parole of 30 days by the Maharashtra state administration, as his daughter will be undergoing a nose surgery.

Dutt, who is currently serving a jail sentence in connection with his conviction in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case, had applied for parole in May end, citing ill-health of his daughter. Earlier, Dutt was granted parole for his wife's illness.

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The parole application was sanctioned by Pune divisional commissioner three days back, for 30 days. This could be extended to another two months, which means Dutt could be out for three months, if the extension is granted.

Maanayata with daughter Iqra and Sanjay Dutt with son Shahraan. File pic

The actor is expected to be released on parole in a couple of days after the jail formalities are completed, which includes Dutt furnishing the surety bond of Rs 50,000. Ever since his jail term started, Dutt has been out on furlough and parole for a total of 147 days so far.

Dutt, who has been convicted by the TADA court under Arms Act, has been kept at a secluded yard at the Yerawada Central Prison from May 16, 2013.

In the past
On October 2, 2013, Dutt was granted furlough, which was extended by another 14 days. Then, in January 2014, he was granted parole for 30 days, which was extended for 60 days for his wife's illness. He was again granted furlough of 14 day in December 2014, which was not extended following massive criticism.

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According to an official from the home department, the furlough is the right of the prisoner under which he gets 28 days of exemption in a year, while the parole is granted in extremely exceptional cases such as natural calamities, ill-health of prisoner or his family members. The parole is granted for 30 days and could be extended twice, with 30 days each in a year.

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A jail officer confirmed the parole and said, "It's the right of prisoners and we do not play any role in sanctioning the parole. In May end, Dutt had applied for it as his daughter has to undergo a nose surgery and he, being a father, wanted to be there.''