The Delhi Police has approached the Supreme Court, challenging the Delhi High Court’s decision to grant bail to the four men convicted in the 2008 murder case of journalist Soumya Viswanathan. This appeal follows a plea by Soumya’s mother, Madhavi Vishwanathan, who has expressed grave concerns over the bail granted to the convicts.
Background of the Case
Soumya Viswanathan, a journalist with India Today, was murdered in September 2008 while driving home from work. The Delhi Police had identified the motive behind the murder as robbery. In February 2024, the Delhi High Court had granted bail to the four convicts—Ravi Kapoor, Amit Shukla, Baljeet Singh Malik, and Ajay Kumar—who were serving double life sentences for their involvement in the murder of Soumya and another high-profile case involving the murder of IT professional Jigisha Ghosh.
Court’s Directives
- Supreme Court Notice: The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the convicts and the Delhi Police, seeking their responses to the petition filed by Madhavi Vishwanathan, which challenges the bail granted by the Delhi High Court.
- Emphasis on Organized Crime: During the brief hearing, the Supreme Court bench noted the severity of the charges, highlighting that the convicts were involved in organized crimes. Despite spending approximately 15 years in jail, the bench acknowledged the need to address the concerns raised about the implications of granting bail to individuals convicted of such serious crimes.
- Further Proceedings: The court has scheduled further hearings to explore the justifications for the bail and the ongoing legal processes surrounding the cases of these convicts.
Implications
- Legal Precedents: This case underscores the complex interplay between legal rights and the severity of criminal acts. The Supreme Court’s decision will have significant implications for how bail is considered in cases involving serious and organized crimes.
- Public and Victim’s Family Concerns: The appeal by the Delhi Police, backed by Soumya’s family, reflects broader concerns about the justice system’s ability to balance the rights of convicts with the need for public safety and victim advocacy.
The Supreme Court’s upcoming decisions will be closely watched for their impact on legal practices concerning bail and the treatment of high-profile criminal cases in India.