The Supreme Court dismissed a Special Leave Petition (Criminal) filed by convict, challenging his conviction under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code for a murder committed in 2003. The conviction was upheld by the Punjab & Haryana High Court on September 26, 2003.
The bench comprising Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma observed that there was no merit in the plea warranting interference with the High Court’s judgment. However, the Court took note of the convict’s prolonged incarceration over 24 years and 2 months and clarified that if eligible under the remission or premature release policy of the State of Punjab, the convict could make a representation through jail authorities.
The Court directed that such representation, if made, be considered expeditiously and preferably within three months by the competent authorities.
The SLP was accordingly disposed of, along with pending applications seeking condonation of delay and permission to place additional facts.
Appearances:
Petitioner: Mr. Uday Gupta, Sr. Adv.; Ms. Nina Gupta, Adv.; Ms. Radhika Gupta, AOR
Respondent: None