Notwithstanding anything contained in section 401 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (5 of 1898), where a person is confined in prison under a sentence of imprisonment, and it appears to the Government from his antecedents or his conduct in the prison that he is likely to abstain from crime and lead useful and industrious life, if he is released from prison, the Government may, by licence, permit him to be released on condition that he be placed under the supervision or authority of a Government Officer or a secular institution or of a person or society professing the same religion as the prisoner, named in the licence and willing to take charge of him.
Explanation.- The expression "sentence of imprisonment" in this section shall include imprisonment in default of payment of fine and imprisonment for failure to furnish security under Chapter VIII of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (5 of 1898).