SC Orders Release of 2002 Murder Convict: Slams Sentence Review Board
The Supreme Court on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, ordered the immediate release of Sukhdev Yadav, a convict in a 2002 murder case. Yadav had completed his 20-year sentence.
The apex court sharply criticised the Sentence Review Board for its refusal to release Yadav despite the completion of his term. The court deemed this rejection unlawful.
The Delhi government had opposed Yadav’s automatic release, arguing against a blanket policy. However, Yadav’s counsel successfully argued that his continued detention was illegal.
The ruling highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the powers of Sentence Review Boards and the rights of convicts after serving their sentences. This case sets a significant precedent, potentially impacting numerous similar cases across the country and prompting a review of existing procedures.
