Delhi High Court Promises ‘Objective Review’ of Early Release Plea in Priyadarshini Mattoo Case

The Delhi High Court on Thursday assured a fair and impartial review of the premature release plea filed by Santosh Kumar Singh, who is serving a life sentence in the high-profile Priyadarshini Mattoo murder case.

Hearing the matter, Justice Anup J Bhambhani observed that the sentence review board (SRB) appeared to be influenced by public sentiment while evaluating such applications, rather than strictly adhering to legal principles.

During the proceedings, the court acknowledged the seriousness of the crime and the irreversible loss suffered by the victim’s family. However, it raised concerns that the review process should not be swayed by how unpopular a convict may be.

The bench indicated that each case must be examined on its own merits, ensuring fairness and consistency in applying the law.

Singh has approached the court challenging the SRB’s decision rejecting his request for early release in November 2025. His legal counsel argued that despite spending over three decades in prison, his application had been denied on grounds similar to those previously set aside by the court.

The petition also sought an earlier hearing date, which the court agreed to consider alongside similar matters involving premature release.

The court highlighted that the justice system also recognises the concept of reformation, noting that prolonged incarceration must be weighed alongside a convict’s conduct and rehabilitation.

It pointed out that in several past cases, individuals convicted of serious crimes had been granted release after serving long prison terms.

While Singh’s counsel stressed that he has spent more than 30 years in custody and has been living in an open jail environment, the victim’s family opposed any move to expedite the hearing, citing the gravity of the offence.

The court, however, reiterated that punishment had already been imposed and the question now was how the law should address long-term imprisonment and rehabilitation.

The case dates back to 1996, when a young law student was raped and murdered in Delhi. Singh, who was initially acquitted by a trial court, was later convicted by the high court, which awarded him the death penalty.

In 2010, the Supreme Court of India upheld his conviction but commuted the sentence to life imprisonment.

In a previous order in 2025, the high court had already asked the SRB to reconsider Singh’s case, observing indications of reform.

The matter will now be taken up along with similar petitions concerning premature release, with the court reiterating that its decision will be guided by legal reasoning rather than external perceptions.