403. Factors to be considered for reviewing the sentences.
(1)The State Sentence Review Board shall consider the social history of the prisoner, the circumstances of his criminal behaviour, conduct in the prison, response to training and treatment, marked changes in habits, attitude and character, degree of criminality, health and mental condition and the possibility of his resettlement after release. The State Sentence Review Board may also take into consideration such circumstances as were not before the Court when the sentence was awarded. The State Sentence Review Board shall also consider the opinion of the Superintendent of Police and the District Magistrate. On the basis of such overall examination of the case, the State Sentence Review Board may recommend deserving prisoners for premature release, either on specified conditions or unconditionally, after recording the reasons for the recommendations in every case.(2)Interview with the prisoner: The State Sentence Review Board shall not interview any prisoner, unless it has special reasons to see him (e.g. when release is proposed on the ground of infirmity) or to ask him any pertinent question in connection with his release.(3)Case not recommended for premature release: Where the State Sentence Review Board, after consideration of a case, decides not to make any recommendations for premature release, it may order that the case shall be placed before it for review after such period not exceeding three years as it may specify in the Order. The State Sentence Review Board may also recommend alternate measures in respect of treatment of the prisoners.(4)Minutes of the meetings: The minutes of the meetings shall be recorded in the register specially kept for the purpose under signature of all the members present at the meeting.(5)Prisoners not to be informed of the recommenddation: No prisoner or any of his relatives shall be informed of the State Sentence Review Board recommendation for the release of the prisoner except the order of the Government for his release.
