3. Temporary release of prisoners on certain grounds.

(1) The Government may, in consultation with the District Magistrate and subject to such condition and in such manner as may be prescribed, release temporary for a period specified in sub-section (2) any prisoner if the Government is satisfied that:—

(a) a member of the prisoner's family has died or is seriously ill; or

(b) the marriage of the prisoner's son or daughter is to be celebrated; or

(c) the temporary release of the prisoner is necessary for ploughing, sowing or harvesting or carrying on any other agricultural operation on his land and no friend of the prisoner or a member of the prisoner's family is available for undertaking such operation in his absence; or

(d) it is desirable so to do for any other sufficient cause.

(2) The period for which a prisoner may be released shall be determined by the Government so as not to exceed:—

(a) where the prisoner is to be released on the ground specified in clause (a) of sub-section (1), four weeks;

(b) where the prisoner is to be released on the ground specified in clause (b) or clause (d) of sub-section (1), four weeks; and

(c) where the prisoner is to be released on the ground specified in clause (c) of sub-section (1), six weeks.

(3) The period of release under this section shall not count towards the total period of the sentence undergone by the prisoner.

(4) The Government may by notification authorize any officer to exercise its powers under this section in respect of all or any of the grounds specified therein.