NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has issued a contempt notice to the Principal Secretary (Home) of the Delhi government for failing to make a decision on the remission plea of Sukhdev Yadav, also known as Pehalwan, one of the convicts in the Nitish Katara murder case.
The court has demanded an explanation from the official as to why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him. He has been instructed to appear before the court via video conferencing on March 28.
The Supreme Court has criticized the government for its delay in decision-making, stating that government authorities only seem to act when faced with the threat of contempt proceedings. Despite clear legal provisions, the Delhi government has failed to take any action on Yadav’s remission plea.
Sukhdev Yadav, who was convicted in the high-profile 2002 Nitish Katara murder case, has already served 20 years in prison without remission. He has approached the Supreme Court seeking early release, citing legal provisions that allow for remission under certain conditions.
The court has requested an explanation from the Delhi Home Department and has directed the Principal Secretary to be virtually present during the next hearing on March 28.
The case is being closely monitored by the Supreme Court, which has made it clear that the failure to act on remission pleas will not be tolerated.
