![[Nithari Killings Case] SC Agrees to Hear CBI's Appeal Against High Court's Acquittal of Surendra Koli](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-75-1.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
Today, On14th August, The Supreme Court agreed to consider a plea challenging the acquittal of Surendra Koli in the 2006 Nithari serial killings case. The CBI filed a new plea against the Allahabad High Court’s decision and included it with other pending petitions. Koli and Moninder Singh Pandher faced charges of rape and murder in this shocking case.
Justices Ajay Gadkari and Neela Gokhale condemned the conduct of Sudhir Pawar and the court registry, ordering an inquiry into the juvenile court’s functioning in Bhiwandi. They criticized Pawar for refusing to accept a chargesheet without the juvenile’s presence and found the presiding officer’s control over the court questionable. The High Court permitted the police to file the chargesheet promptly.
The Gujarat High Court overturned an 85-year-old former court employee’s 7-year jail sentence for misappropriation, ordering a new review. The decision was based on the unfair prioritization of a judge’s testimony over a peon’s, a violation of the Evidence Act. The importance of impartially evaluating all testimonies was emphasized.
Today, On 23rd April, The Supreme Court expressed grave concern over overcrowded and dire prison conditions, urging urgent reform. Chief secretaries were directed to provide a schedule for implementation, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh. The report emphasized the harsh situation for women prisoners and the need for addressing overcrowding in prisons across several states.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna, a Supreme Court Judge and Executive Chairman of NALSA, has announced the 2024 schedule for Quarterly Undertrial Review Committee (QURC) meetings. These meetings aim to review prisoner cases and recommend releases, following Supreme Court directives. The announcement emphasizes the need for timely justice delivery and the importance of UTRCs in preventing extended pre-trial detentions.