After equality, assume release from punishment (6)
I believe the answer is:
pardon
'release from punishment' is the definition.
'pardon' can be an answer for 'release' (pardon is a kind of release). I'm not sure about the 'from punishment' bit.
'after equality assume' is the wordplay.
'after' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'equality' becomes 'par' (synonyms).
'assume' becomes 'don' (I've seen this in another clue).
'par'+'don' is 'PARDON'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for pardon that I've seen before include "Polite expression of regret, please excuse" , "Forgive - eh?" , "Forgive; come again?" , "Forgive or remit" , "indulgence" .)