Delhi High Court Questions SRB's Public Sentiment Influence in Santosh Kumar Singh Case

The Delhi High Court expressed concerns over the Sentence Review Board's apparent influence by public sentiment in Santosh Kumar Singh's premature release case. Singh, convicted in 1996 for Priyadarshini Mattoo's murder, contested the SRB decision. The court allowed an early hearing, noting SRB's public perception influence.

The Delhi High Court on Thursday raised questions about the Sentence Review Board's (SRB) decision-making, suggesting that it appears swayed by public sentiments. This remark came while granting an application for an early hearing in the case of Santosh Kumar Singh, who seeks a premature release.

Santosh Kumar Singh, serving a life sentence for the 1996 rape and murder of Priyadarshini Mattoo, has been in custody for over three decades. He challenged the SRB's decision to deny his premature release. Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani agreed to an earlier hearing date, moving proceedings to April 20 from the original May 18.

During the proceedings, Justice Bhambhani acknowledged the grave nature of Singh's crime and the profound loss suffered by the victim's family. He expressed concern that public perception might be influencing the SRB's decisions. The court previously declined an extension of Singh's parole, ordering his return to custody.

(With inputs from agencies.)