A person can seek parole from the High Court when there are delays in the official process or in exceptional circumstances, as courts have the authority to intervene.

For example, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has set a four-month deadline for parole applications to be decided and allows convicts to file contempt cases for delays. Other reasons for approaching the High Court can include emergencies or the need to maintain social ties. [1, 2, 3, 4] 
How High Courts handle parole



• Setting deadlines: High courts can order that parole applications be decided within a specific timeframe, such as the four-month deadline set by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
• Overseeing the process: The court can supervise the process to ensure that applications are handled efficiently and fairly, as directed in a case where a High Court judge noted the plight of those awaiting a response to their parole applications.
• Intervening in exceptional cases: In exceptional circumstances, a High Court can grant parole directly, such as in the case of a Member of Parliament seeking to attend Parliament while detained under the National Security Act.
• Providing recourse for delay: If there are unjustified delays, convicts can initiate contempt proceedings against the officials responsible. [1, 2, 3, 4] 

Grounds for a parole request to the High Court

• Unreasonable delay: If a parole application has not been decided within the prescribed time (e.g., four months), the individual can file a petition with the High Court.
• Exceptional circumstances: High courts may consider requests for parole in cases of emergencies or for other situations where the prisoner’s ties to society need to be maintained or where their rehabilitation is assisted.
• Constitutional duties: An individual can seek parole to fulfill constitutional duties, such as attending parliamentary sessions.
• Challenging rejection: A person can also file a petition with the High Court to challenge an order that has rejected their premature release application. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] 

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://pulsa.punjab.gov.in/media/documents/final_parole_project.pdf
[2] https://www.scconline.com/blog/post/2025/07/14/parole-applications-must-be-decided-in-4-months-p-h-hc/
[3] https://www.livelaw.in/high-court/punjab-and-haryana-high-court/punjab-haryana-high-court-all-parole-pleas-must-be-decided-within-4-months-in-case-of-delay-convicts-can-initiate-contempt-plea-297149
[4] https://www.livelaw.in/high-court/punjab-and-haryana-high-court/punjab-haryana-high-court-punjab-mp-amritpal-singh-moves-seeking-parole-to-attend-parliament-winter-session-310649
[5] https://24law.in/story/parole-period-must-be-subtracted-only-from-total-sentence-actual-sentence-means-real-time-spent

Parole Lawyers Chandigarh HighCourt Punjab and Haryana