Introduction
Supreme-Court-of-India
In a significant move towards protecting the constitutional right to liberty, the Supreme Court of India has directed all States and Union Territories to immediately release prisoners who have already served their sentence and are not wanted in any other case. The ruling comes in the backdrop of a case involving Sukhdev Yadav alias Pehalwan, a convict in the 2002 Nitish Katara murder case, who had completed his jail term but remained behind bars.
Supreme Court’s Directive
A bench comprising Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice K.V. Viswanathan expressed deep concern over the plight of prisoners languishing in jail even after their sentence period had ended.
The Court issued the following directives:
- Immediate Release: All such convicts must be released if they are not wanted in any other criminal proceedings.
- Circulation of Order: The Registry will circulate this order to Home Secretaries of all States and UTs.
- NALSA Involvement: A copy will be sent to the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and further forwarded to State Legal Services Authorities and District Legal Services Authorities for strict implementation.
Case Background: The Nitish Katara Murder Case
The order came while allowing the release of Sukhdev Yadav, who had been convicted for his role in the kidnapping and murder of Nitish Katara in February 2002.
Key facts of the case:
- Incident: Nitish Katara was kidnapped from a wedding party and murdered due to his relationship with Bharti Yadav, daughter of politician D.P. Yadav.
- Convicts: Vikas Yadav and Vishal Yadav received 25-year jail terms without remission; Sukhdev Yadav was sentenced to 20 years.
- Completion of Sentence: Sukhdev completed his term in March 2025 but had not been released until the Supreme Court’s intervention.
Significance of the Judgment
This landmark decision reinforces that no person should be deprived of liberty beyond the sentence awarded by the court. It is also a reminder for prison authorities to ensure timely and lawful release of convicts.
By taking proactive steps, the Supreme Court has sent a clear message that justice delayed is justice denied — not only for the victims but also for those who have served their legal punishment.
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