New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday heard a petition seeking the release of Dara Singh, convicted in the 1999 murder of Australian missionary Graham Stewart Staines and his two minor sons.
A two-judge bench comprising Justices Justice Manmohan and Justice Manoj Misra heard the matter and posted the next hearing for May 13.
Appearing for the petitioner, advocate A.K. Singh argued that Dara Singh, also known as Rabindra Kumar Pal, has already undergone over 26 years and six months of imprisonment. He contended that the convict has spent more than 25 years in custody, exceeding what he described as the “maximum period” for life imprisonment, and has maintained good conduct throughout his incarceration.
Citing jail records, the counsel submitted that Singh has led a disciplined life in prison, engaging in yoga and religious activities, and has not been involved in any acts of violence or indiscipline during his incarceration. He urged the court to consider his release under the remission provisions in the law and the state’s remission framework.
Representing the Odisha government, Advocate General Pitambar Acharya informed the court that reports from district authorities and jail officials regarding the convict’s possible release are currently under review.
He further submitted that the case is being examined in accordance with the Odisha Prisoner Remission Policy-2022. All relevant aspects will be scrutinized before a final decision is taken by the Odisha Sentence Review Board, he added.
Taking note of the submissions, the apex court granted time until May 13 for the Review Board to arrive at its decision and adjourned the matter to that date.
