If an convict serving a life sentence escapes and is later convicted of another crime, the subsequent sentence will run concurrently with the original life sentence : Supreme Court
The Supreme Court recently released a life convict who had been denied release despite receiving remission from the Andhra Pradesh government. The reason for his continued detention was the belief that his sentence for a subsequent offense would start after the remission was granted. In the case of an escaped convict, the court noted that the second conviction begins only after serving the remaining term of the previous conviction. However, for a life convict, it's difficult to determine the remaining sentence.
The court used Section 427(2) of the CrPC to rule that the second sentence should run concurrently with the prior life sentence, allowing the convict's release following remission. The Supreme Court bench of Justices V. Ramasubramanian and Pankaj Mithal heard the appeal against a High Court order to release the convict named P. Reddy Bhaskar.
The court explained that while Section 426(2)(b) CrPC addresses re-apprehended escaped convicts, it doesn't suit life convicts' situation. The concept of "remaining time" doesn't apply to life sentences the same way. Section 427(2) CrPC offers an alternative perspective. It mandates that subsequent sentences for life convicts run concurrently with the original life sentence.
The court concluded that applying Section 427(2) CrPC by the High Court was appropriate and dismissed the appeal and directed the immediate release of the convict.