Quick answer: Parole and furlough are both temporary releases for convicted prisoners, applied for through the jail administration. Parole is granted for a specific reason, such as illness or death in the family, and the days outside generally do not count as sentence served. Furlough is a reward for good conduct to a long-term convict (in Delhi, a sentence of five years or more of rigorous imprisonment with three years served), and the sentence keeps running. Interim bail is different: it is a court order, sought while a trial or appeal is pending. If an application is rejected or not decided in time, a writ petition can be filed in the High Court.
Families usually search for parole or furlough when a relative in jail has a medical emergency, a death or a wedding in the family. The two words are often used as if they mean the same thing, but the rules, the reasons and the effect on the sentence are different.
In this article
Parole, furlough and interim bail: the difference
- Parole: for a specific reason such as illness of a close relative, a death or a marriage in the family. The days outside generally do not count as sentence served.
- Furlough: a reward for good conduct to a long-term convict. In Delhi, the Delhi Prisons Act, 2000 (Section 2(1)(h)) refers to five years or more of rigorous imprisonment with three years served. The sentence keeps running.
- Interim bail: a court order for an accused or an appellant, for urgent personal or medical reasons, while a trial or appeal is pending.
How to apply in Delhi
- Check eligibility: sentence, years served and conduct record.
- File the application through the jail Superintendent with papers that support the reason, such as medical records, a marriage card or a death certificate.
- Note the date of filing, because the rules set a time for the decision. The Delhi High Court recorded a four-week period for furlough applications in a judgment of 5 January 2026 (Vasudev v. State NCT of Delhi).
- If the application is rejected without good reason or not decided in time, consider a writ petition in the Delhi High Court.
Breaking the conditions has serious consequences. Under Section 54 of the Delhi Prisons Act, 2000, the release can be cancelled and the prisoner arrested without a warrant.
Uttar Pradesh: suspension of sentence
In UP, parole works as a suspension of sentence under the Uttar Pradesh (Suspension of Sentences of Prisoners) Rules, 2007. The usual grounds are illness or death of a close relative, marriage in the family, sowing or harvesting on the prisoner’s own land and essential house repair. It is normally up to one month, can be extended by one month, and is generally not available where an appeal or another criminal case is pending. For the full rule-by-rule position, see our page on parole and furlough lawyer in Delhi and Ghaziabad.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between parole and furlough?
Parole is a release for a specific reason, such as a family emergency, and the days outside generally do not count as sentence served. Furlough is leave given as a reward for good conduct to a long-term convict, and the sentence keeps running during it.
Who is eligible for furlough in Delhi?
The Delhi Prisons Act, 2000 defines furlough for a convict sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for five years or more who has served three years of it. The Delhi Prison Rules, 2018 add conditions such as good conduct.
Does Uttar Pradesh have furlough?
The UP Jail Manual, 2022 does not provide for furlough. Parole is granted as a suspension of sentence under the UP (Suspension of Sentences of Prisoners) Rules, 2007, normally up to one month.
What if my parole or furlough application is rejected?
If the rejection is unreasoned or not in line with the rules, or the application is not decided in time, a writ petition (criminal) can be filed in the Delhi High Court, or the Allahabad High Court for Uttar Pradesh matters.
Need help with a parole or furlough application, or a writ petition after a rejection? See Parole & Furlough Lawyer in Delhi or call +91-8800669834.
This article is general legal information, not legal advice. Laws, rates and portals change, so check the current position for your case. — Adv. Mridul Jindal, Law Chambers of Mridul Jindal, Indirapuram, Ghaziabad.
