Supreme Court Grants 3-Month Furlough to Convict in Nitish Katara Murder Case
The Supreme Court granted a three-month furlough to Sukhdev Yadav alias Pehalwan, a convict in the 2002 Nitish Katara murder case. The decision was based on Yadav having undergone 20 years of uninterrupted incarceration without remission. The trial court will impose conditions for his temporary release. Yadav is serving a 20-year sentence for his role in the kidnapping and murder.
Unpacked:
Sukhdev Yadav, also known as Pehalwan, was convicted as an accomplice in the 2002 Nitish Katara murder case. He, along with Vikas and Vishal Yadav, was found guilty of kidnapping Katara and participating in his murder, which was deemed an honor killing by the courts.
The Supreme Court granted Sukhdev Yadav a three-month furlough because he had served 20 years of uninterrupted incarceration without remission. This decision considered his long period of continuous imprisonment and followed legal provisions for temporary release in such cases.
The trial court can impose conditions such as regular police reporting, restrictions on travel, prohibition from contacting victims’ families, and requirements to remain within a specified jurisdiction during the furlough. These conditions help ensure public safety and prevent interference with ongoing legal matters.
Nitish Katara was murdered because of his close relationship with Bharti Yadav, sister of Vikas Yadav. The murder was considered an honor killing, stemming from the Yadav family's disapproval of the relationship due to caste and social status differences, as recognized by the Supreme Court.