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The Delhi High Court has extended the parole of murder convict Praveen Rana by an additional four weeks to enable him to manage and safeguard his 1.5-acre farmland, which was devastated by recent floods. Justice Arun Monga observed that the destruction caused by heavy rains was an “act of God” and emphasized the necessity of Rana’s presence to protect his family’s sole source of income.

The Court noted that floodwaters have begun to recede, but urgent agricultural recovery efforts, including financial arrangements and use of fertilizers and pesticides, remain essential. Without Rana’s active supervision, these recovery processes would be compromised, threatening the livelihood and education of his widowed mother and two minor children, aged 14 and 15, who depend entirely on the farm.

Rana was initially released on parole in June and again on August 18 but sought an extension after heavy rainfall inundated his crops. Following consideration of the family’s dependence on the farm, the Court granted the parole extension, clarifying it would constitute a second parole.

Advocates Akshai Malik and Khawar Saleem represented Rana, while Additional Standing Counsel Rupali Bandhopadhya and advocate Abhijeet appeared for the State. This extension demonstrates judicial compassion balancing crime accountability with humanitarian considerations in exceptional circumstances of natural disaster.