Delhi HC Questions SRB's Approach in Priyadarshini Mattoo Case Convict's Release Plea

The Delhi High Court has critically questioned the Sentence Review Board (SRB) for allegedly allowing public perception to influence its decision-making regarding the premature release of Santosh Kumar Singh, the convict in the 1996 Priyadarshini Mattoo rape and murder case. During a hearing on Singh’s plea challenging the SRB’s November 2025 rejection of his release request, Justice Anup J. Bhambhani remarked that the SRB seemed to ignore the principle of blind justice. The court assured Singh of an objective evaluation, noting he has already served 31 years in custody. The defense highlighted that Singh was denied release on grounds previously addressed by the High Court. In contrast, the lawyer representing the victim’s brother opposed advancing the hearing, citing the gravity of the crime. The court observed that reformation and long-term incarceration are significant factors, drawing a comparison to the release of Sushil Kumar, the convict in the 1995 Tandoor murder case, after 23 years. The petition has been listed for further hearing on April 20, as the judiciary balances legal principles of rehabilitation against public sentiment and the severity of the original offense.