The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on Surendra Koli’s curative petition in the Nithari murder case. The decision comes after his acquittal in 12 other cases by the Allahabad High Court, potentially deciding his final fate.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday reserved its decision on a curative petition filed by Surendra Koli, a key accused in the infamous Nithari murders of 2005-2006, seeking to overturn his conviction in the killing of a 15-year-old girl.
Koli’s conviction in this case was originally upheld by the Supreme Court in February 2011, but after being acquitted by the Allahabad High Court in the remaining 12 cases against him, he moved the top court again this year.
Supreme Court’s Observations
During the brief hearing, the bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, Justice Surya Kant, and Justice Vikram Nath noted that the curative petition “deserved to be allowed.”
The Court highlighted that Koli’s conviction was primarily based on a single statement and the recovery of a kitchen knife, calling attention to the anomalous situation that had arisen after his acquittal in the other 12 cases.
CJI Gavai remarked,
“This matter deserves to be allowed in a minute.”
Adding a lighter note to the proceedings, he also told Additional Solicitor General Rajkumar Bhaskar Thakare,
“Mr Thakare, as a solicitor I expect you to be an officer of the court. I have a very good impression of you in Bombay. Let Delhi pollution not pollute you.”
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A Recap of the Nithari Murders
The Nithari murders came to public attention in December 2006, when skeletal remains of children were found in a drain near Moninder Singh Pandher’s house in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Pandher, the house owner, and Koli, his domestic help, were implicated.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) later investigated multiple cases, charging Koli with murder, rape, abduction, and evidence tampering, while Pandher faced charges in a case related to immoral trafficking.
Koli was initially convicted in multiple cases and sentenced to death in over ten cases. The Allahabad High Court, in 2009, upheld Koli’s guilt in the killing of a 15-year-old girl while acquitting Pandher due to lack of evidence. Subsequent appeals, including a review plea in 2014, were dismissed by the Supreme Court. In 2015, Koli’s death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment due to delays in deciding his mercy petition.
The 2023 High Court Acquittals and Aftermath
In October 2023, the Allahabad High Court acquitted both Koli and Pandher in several cases, overturning death sentences imposed by the trial court in 2017. Koli was acquitted in 12 cases, and Pandher in 2 cases, prompting outrage from the CBI and victims’ families.
A total of 14 appeals were filed with the Supreme Court challenging these acquittals. However, the top court dismissed all appeals on July 31, 2025.
Now, the Supreme Court is set to decide on Koli’s curative petition in the killing of the 15-year-old girl. If the Court acquits him in this case, Koli could finally be a free man.
Case Title:
SURENDRA KOLI vs. THE STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH
Diary No. – 49297/2025
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