The minimum sentence prior to any remission is at least 18 years as per the 2008 resolution.
This would mean all the eleven convicts would be eligible for remission only in 2026.
Pertinently, the resolution separately identifies cases of brutal crimes against women that involve exceptional violence, under which the convicts would be eligible for remission only after serving a sentence of 28 years.
It is this clause which is likely to apply to the eleven convicts in this case.
This would mean the men have to be behind bars for at least another 12 years, that is, 2036.
Prior to the 2008 policy, a 1992 policy for remission was in place.
There is some lack of clarity regarding which policy would apply. The special judge who tried the case, applied the 2008 policy to arrive at his opinion against the release convicts.
However, even if the 1992 policy were to apply, remission in cases of those serving life term for murders relating to sexual matters would be possible only after serving a minimum of 22 years and the same can go up to 28 years if the case involves exceptional violence or perversity.
Hence, if 1992 policy is applied, the eleven men would be eligible for release only after 2030 or 2036.