*🛡️Remission* ♟️Remission is the reduction of a prison sentence granted to a convict before the completion of their term. ♟️It is different from parole or pardon, as the conviction remains, but the sentence is shortened. 💎Past SC Judgments on Remission: ♟️ *Sangeet & Anr. v State of Haryana (2013):* SC ruled that remission cannot be suo motu, requiring an application from the convict. ♟️Mohinder Singh v State of Punjab (2013): Reaffirmed that remission must be initiated through an application, not by courts or the government automatically. ♟️Mafabhai Motibhai Sagar v. State of Gujarat (2024): Held that remission conditions must be reasonable and cannot be arbitrarily stringent or vague. *💎Supreme Court’s 2025 Judgment & Guidelines* ♟️Suo motu remission allowed: If a remission policy exists, states must proactively consider eligible convicts without waiting for applications. ♟️Mandatory remission policy: States without a remission policy must formulate one within two months. ♟️Conditions for remission: Must be based on crime motive, criminal record, and public safety, ensuring rehabilitation. ♟️Protection against arbitrary cancellation: Remission cannot be revoked for minor breaches, and convicts must get a notice and a chance to respond before cancellation. ♟️Transparency in remission decisions: Legal aid authorities must track remission cases and maintain real-time data on a digital portal.