Supreme Court Permits Furlough for Vikas Yadav in Notorious 2002 Murder Case
The Supreme Court of India on Friday made a significant ruling by allowing a plea from Vikas Yadav, who is currently incarcerated for his role in the high-profile 2002 murder of Nitish Katara, to be released from prison on temporary furlough. Yadav has been serving a stringent 25-year jail sentence without the possibility of remission, marking a pivotal moment in this long-standing legal saga.
Court's Decision and Reasoning for Furlough Grant
A bench comprising Justices M M Sundresh and Vipul M Pancholi carefully considered the application and noted that Yadav has already undergone an extensive period of 23 years behind bars. In their ruling, the bench explicitly granted him furlough until March 7, 2025, emphasizing the humanitarian aspect of the request.
The bench stated, "Furlough is now sought on the ground that he wishes to spend time during the Holi festival. Without delving into the merits of the case, we permit the petitioner to be released on furlough." This decision underscores the court's focus on temporary relief rather than revisiting the conviction itself.
Rejection of Complainant's Objections and Judicial Remarks
During the proceedings, the Supreme Court firmly rejected objections raised by the counsel representing the complainant, who opposed the grant of furlough. The bench responded pointedly, questioning, "You want to hang him? Is it?" and further remarked, "What is the point of hearing you in this matter? After 23 years, you don't want to let things go. We need to let things go."
Justice Sundresh added an oral observation, suggesting that granting such relief can sometimes aid in the reformation and rehabilitation of convicts, highlighting a broader perspective on criminal justice beyond mere punishment.
Background: Delhi High Court's Earlier Rejection
This Supreme Court ruling overturns a previous decision by the Delhi High Court. On February 11, 2025, the High Court had dismissed Yadav's plea for a 21-day furlough, citing that he was convicted for committing "grave offences" and was "statutorily ineligible" for such relief under the Delhi Prison Rules of 2018.
Yadav had challenged an order from jail authorities dated October 29, 2025, which rejected his furlough application. The High Court found no arbitrariness, illegality, or violation of constitutional rights in that decision, upholding the authorities' stance based on the severity of the crimes.
Case Overview and Historical Context
The Nitish Katara murder case dates back to 2002, when Katara, a business executive, was kidnapped from a marriage party on the intervening night of February 16 and 17. He was subsequently killed over his alleged relationship with Vikas Yadav's sister, leading to a nationwide outcry and a protracted legal battle.
On October 3, 2016, the Supreme Court awarded a 25-year jail term to Vikas Yadav and his cousin Vishal for their roles in the kidnapping and murder. A co-convict, Sukhdev Yadav, received a 20-year sentence. This case has remained a focal point in discussions about honor killings and judicial processes in India, with the latest furlough decision adding a new chapter to its complex narrative.
