LUCKNOW, Sept. 1 -- Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday directed officials to simplify and clearly define the rules for the premature release of prisoners suffering from serious illnesses, old age or disability. "The policy must be transparent, humane and aligned with the Supreme Court guidelines, ensuring that eligible prisoners are considered automatically for release without needing to apply separately," he said.

In a review meeting of the prison administration and reform services department, Yogi instructed officials to conduct a state-wide survey to identify inmates suffering from fatal diseases, the elderly, and helpless prisoners, with priority given to their release. He also stressed the need to include women a...