Odisha Sentence Review Board: No Decision on Dara Singh's Remission Plea

• The Supreme Court has rebuked the Odisha government for delaying a decision on Dara Singh's remission plea.
• Dara Singh is serving a life sentence for the 1999 murder of Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two minor sons.
• The court has directed the Sentence Review Board to take a decision on Singh's plea by September 2.

You take a decision whatever you want to. Otherwise we will take our own.

The Supreme Court has pulled up the Odisha government over its failure to decide on Dara Singh's remission plea, a case that dates back to the 1999 murder of Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two minor sons. The court's strong displeasure was evident in its observation: 'You take a decision whatever you want to. Otherwise we will take our own.' This rebuke comes after repeated adjournments of the hearing, with the State Sentence Review Board yet to make a decision on Singh's plea for premature release. Despite the Odisha government's claims that the matter remained under consideration by the competent committee, the court has directed the board to take a decision and apprise it of the outcome by September 2.

Dara Singh's case has been pending for over two decades, with five Sentence Review Committees examining his application for premature release in the past. Despite this, the Odisha government has failed to take a decision on his plea, citing various reasons such as awaiting reports from the Keonjhar District Jail and seeking short deferments. The court's frustration is palpable, with Justice Manoj Misra expressing strong displeasure over the State's failure to place before the Court a decision of the State Sentence Review Board on Singh's plea for premature release.

The Supreme Court's direction to the Sentence Review Board may have significant implications for future remission pleas in similar cases. Lawyers are likely to watch closely as this precedent is set, particularly in light of the court's observation that it will take its own decision if the State fails to act. This development highlights the importance of timely and transparent decision-making in such matters, ensuring that justice is served without undue delay.

Lawyers should watch for the precedent set by the Supreme Court's direction to the Sentence Review Board, which may impact future remission pleas in similar cases.

Source: Original reporting via Supreme Court of India