Prisoners undergoing life sentence will now be released on the grounds of good conduct with the Karnataka government on Wednesday approving new guidelines in this regard.

The guidelines have been given approval in the light of the Supreme Court directions.

The new guidelines will cover all convicts, both male and female, serving life sentence and covered by the provisions of section 433 A of CrPC, who will be eligible for premature release after 14 years of actual imprisonment without remission, Law Minister T B Jayachandra said.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, he said "all other convicted male persons not covered by section 433 A of CrPC, undergoing the sentence of life imprisonment, would be entitled to be considered for premature release after they have served at least 14 years of imprisonment inclusive of remission, but only after completion of 10 years of actual imprisonment without remission."

Female prisoners, not covered by section 433 A of CrPC and undergoing life imprisonment, would be entitled for being considered for premature release after they have served at least 10 years of imprisonment inclusive of remission, but only after seven years of actual imprisonment without remission, he added.

Quoting from the guidelines, the minister said male prisoners, undergoing life sentence who have attained 65 years and have served actual imprisonment of 14 years with remission, would also be entitled for consideration.

Also to be considered are female prisoners undergoing life sentence who have attained the age of 60 years and have served actual imprisonment of 12 years with remission, he added.