The Supreme Court ordered the release on bail of Odisha life convict Arjun Jani alias Tuntun, who spent over 22 years in prison without parole or furlough.
The apex court strongly criticised the Orissa High Court for dismissing his criminal appeal due to a nine-year delay in filing.
A Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and Ujjal Bhuyan described the High Court’s decision as “very disturbing.” The judges emphasised that the High Court should have adopted a practical view, especially since the appeal was filed from jail after the convict had already served 12 years.
Jani was convicted of murder under Sections 302 and 201 of the IPC by the Additional Sessions Judge in Nabarangpur and sentenced to life imprisonment on August 25, 2006. His appeal was dismissed in January 2016, with the High Court refusing to condone a delay of 3,157 days.
The Supreme Court noted that Jani’s jail conduct remained satisfactory, with no adverse remarks recorded. His counsel produced a certificate from the Senior Superintendent of Circle Jail, Koraput, confirming good behaviour.
Invoking Article 142 of the Constitution, the apex court ordered Jani’s release on bail, directing him to furnish a personal bond of Rs 10,000 to the satisfaction of the Jail Superintendent. The court also asked the District Legal Services Authority, Koraput, to assist him in seeking remission of sentence under the prevailing policy. The matter will be taken up again on May 28 for compliance reporting.
