Today, On 18th July, The Supreme Court has reserved its order on a plea seeking the release of terminally ill and elderly prisoners, observing, “Prison rules are all applicable individually to the states,” and urging uniform policy for compassionate release.
Justice Surya Kant announced that poor convicts in India will soon be permitted to choose a top Senior Advocate for free representation in the Supreme Court, addressing legal needs of over 4,200 identified convicts. This initiative aims to ensure access to justice regardless of financial status, reflecting India’s commitment to constitutional values.
The Supreme Court Today (Dec 20) granted bail to two more convicts in the case pertaining to the killing of 42 Muslim men from Uttar Pradesh’s Hashimpura in 1987. A Bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih said the two convicts have till date undergone an incarceration of over six years and thus are entitled to bail.
The Supreme Court mandated that states must inform convicts about denial reasons for remission applications within one week. It emphasized that rejection orders should clarify grounds for refusal and encouraged accessibility of remission policies. The Court also disapproved of delaying applications due to pending appeals, affirming efficient processing of all remission requests.
The Supreme Court today reprimanded the Uttar Pradesh Government for delaying remission applications for convicts, criticizing the infringement of fundamental rights and warning of potential contempt proceedings. The Principal Secretary was directed to explain the delays and submit an affidavit, with the case set for another hearing on August 20.
On Thursday(14th March), The CBI informed the Jharkhand High Court that the scrutiny of WhatsApp chats belonging to two convicted individuals in Judge Uttam Anand’s murder revealed no substantial findings. The investigation aimed to uncover potential connections to others involved, but the chats did not yield significant leads. This case highlights the challenges of using digital communications as evidence in criminal investigations.
Two convicts from the Bilkis Bano case have appealed to the Supreme Court for transferring their case to a larger bench due to differing observations from separate benches. The legal tussle also delves into issues of jurisdiction, justice, and the interpretation of law, shedding light on the complexities of India’s legal and social fabric.
A Mumbai court convicted Kanhaiya, a transgender person, for the kidnapping and murder of a three-month-old infant in 2021. The crime stemmed from a dispute over traditional gifts. The accomplice, Sonu Kale, was acquitted due to lack of evidence. The case underscores the need to protect vulnerable members of society and ensure justice for the innocent victim.
In a high-profile murder case in Kerala, the Additional Sessions Court in Mavelikara has found 15 individuals guilty in the brutal killing of BJP leader Ranjith Srinivasan. The court’s decision is a crucial step towards justice, with strong reactions from various quarters. The case highlights the impact of politically motivated violence in the state.