§ 159. Assignments of mortgages; releases from judgments. The comptroller, on the written request of the owner in actual possession of real property mortgaged to the state, may assign such mortgage, with the bond or other instrument accompanying the same, on payment into the treasury of the amount of principal and interest unpaid on such mortgage. The comptroller, with the consent of the attorney-general, if satisfied that the interests of the state will not be prejudiced thereby, may release any portion of any real property subject to a judgment in favor of the people of the state from the lien created by such judgment.