The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on a curative petition filed by Surendra Koli challenging his conviction in one of the 2005–2006 Nithari murder and rape cases. Koli’s conviction and death sentence in the case involving the killing of a 15-year-old girl were upheld by the Apex Court in February 2011.
The Bench comprising Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, Justice Surya Kant, and Justice Vikram Nath heard the curative plea in open court on Tuesday. The Bench observed that the conviction appeared to rest solely on a statement and the recovery of a kitchen knife, noting that an “anomalous situation” had arisen since Koli was acquitted by the Allahabad High Court in the remaining 12 connected cases.
“This matter deserves to be allowed in a minute,” remarked CJI Gavai as the Court reserved its decision.