The president approved the pardon on Thursday on advice of the prime minister.

However, the pardon will not apply to women and children who meet the 2-year condition if they are in jail for murder, espionage, anti-state activities, kidnapping, theft, dacoity, adultery, terrorism narcotics or are foreign citizens.

The president gave the approval under Article 45 of the constitution and the rules of business.

The article states that the president has the power to “grant pardon, reprieve and respite, and to remit, suspend or commute any sentence passed by any court, tribunal or other authority.”

The move comes just ahead of women’s day, which is celebrated on March 8.