Jayant Gordhanbhai, convicted for life for murder, believes the kidney he donated to a patient eight years ago should have seen him out of jail. He says he had donated the kidney at the instance of the Sadvichar Parivar, hoping for some reprieve. He is bitter that it has not come.

When Jails Minister Gabhaji Thakore visited the jail on Thursday, Gordhanbhai and others pleaded their case. While Gordhanbhai had donated his kidney, the others were willing to donate blood, kidneys, corneas -- anything. But on condition it would reduce their sentence.

Some know that the authorities can recommend their names for reducing sentences only for good behaviour. What they are hoping for is that donating organs will be counted as part of good behaviour.

Officials said this was misconception created by ``whosoever''. And Haribhai Panchal of Sadvichar Parivar, says the documents prisoners sign before donating organs mention it was not a bargain for reducing their sentence.

But Panchal recalled Gordhanbhai's case. He said he believed prisoners of good character should earn some reprieve. He said Gordhanbhai is of good character.

The minister said he did not believe the prisoners' claims but would look into the matter.

Gordhanbhai wants the minister to compare his behaviour with that of others already released and then decide. Life sentences generally run 14 years; Gordhanbhai has been in prison for 11 years.