ZAHID HUSSEIN vs STATE OF WEST BENGAL

The Supreme Court ruled that life imprisonment under Section 302/34 IPC does not automatically lead to premature release after 20 years, as it constitutes imprisonment for the convict's entire life unless the government exercises its discretion to remit the sentence. The Court emphasized the need for the State Government to consider various factors, including the convict's conduct and the nature of the crime, before granting premature release. The petitions for premature release were dismissed, affirming the State's decision to reject the applications based on the circumstances of the case.