Pillai submits remission plea

THIRUVANATHAPURAM: Kerala Congress (B) supremo R Balakrishna Pillai, who is serving a one-year rigorous imprisonment, has reportedly submitted a remission petition to the Home Secretary seeking a reduction of his jail term on the grounds of ill-health. Balakrishna Pillai, according to his petition, is suffering from cardiac problems and acute diabetes. Meanwhile, Pillai’s parole has been extended by 13 days. Now, he will have to return to the Poojappura Central Jail on June 13.The jailed Kerala Congress leader has sought a remission of his sentence on the basis of Article 161 of the Constitution which deals with the power of the Governor to grant pardons and to suspend, remit or commute sentences of any person convicted of any offence against any law relating to a matter to which the executive power of the State extends. For the Governor to invoke his powers, the Cabinet will have to first take a decision. Before the Cabinet arrives at such a decision, the ADGP (Prisons) will have to send a proposal. Pillai, once he completes the 13-day extended parole, will have consumed all of the 45 days parole a convict is allowed in a year. It was on May 20 that Pillai was granted a 10-day parole, which ends on May 30