In a landmark decision underscoring judicial compassion, the Supreme Court of India has granted interim bail to 104-year-old Rasik Chandra Mondal, a life convict in a 1988 murder case. The bench, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, acknowledged Mondal’s advanced age and health conditions while pronouncing the order.
Rasik Chandra Mondal was implicated in the murder case dating back to 1988, registered under Sections 143, 448, 302, and 324 of the Indian Penal Code. The First Information Report (FIR No. 2/1988) was filed on November 9, 1988, at the Manikchak Police Station in Malda, West Bengal. Mondal was convicted in 1994 and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Over the years, Mondal challenged his conviction multiple times. The Calcutta High Court dismissed his appeal in 2018, and his subsequent efforts to secure relief from the Supreme Court were also unsuccessful. Despite these setbacks, Mondal filed a fresh petition in 2020, citing his advanced age and deteriorating health as grounds for release.
The Supreme Court took a humane approach while hearing Mondal’s plea for interim bail in Writ Petition (Criminal) No. 313/2020. Observing his frail condition and lack of immediate threat, the Court granted Mondal interim bail during the pendency of his writ petition. The order emphasized that his release would be subject to terms and conditions prescribed by the trial court.
In the courtroom, advocate Astha Sharma, representing the State of West Bengal, informed the bench that Mondal’s health had improved slightly, and he was set to celebrate his 104th birthday. This acknowledgment played a role in the bench’s decision to prioritize humanitarian considerations.
The Supreme Court’s order is clear that Mondal’s release is temporary and conditional. The trial court will establish the specific terms of his bail, ensuring compliance with legal protocols while considering his circumstances.
