In a case highlighting a serious lapse in the criminal justice system, the Supreme Court of India has issued a notice to the State of Madhya Pradesh for an explanation on why a rape convict remained incarcerated for over eight years, despite completing his seven-year sentence.
A bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice KV Viswanathan expressed concern over the extended illegal detention and directed the state to file a detailed response within two weeks.
Background of the Case
“We would like to know how such a serious lapse occurred and why the petitioner remained in jail for more than 8 years even after undergoing the entire sentence of seven years. We want the State to offer an appropriate explanation in this regard,” the Court stated.
The petitioner, Sohan Singh @ Bablu, was convicted in 2004 by a Sessions Court in Madhya Pradesh under Sections 376(1), 450, and 560B of the Indian Penal Code. He was sentenced to life imprisonment and fined ₹2,000.
However, in 2007, the Madhya Pradesh High Court partly allowed his appeal and reduced the sentence to 7 years. Despite this, the petitioner was only released in June 2025, after spending more than 15 years in prison, serving over 8 years beyond his sentence.
Supreme Court Calls It a “Serious Lapse”
The apex court is now examining how such a gross violation of fundamental rights occurred and why prison authorities failed to release the petitioner on time. The incident raises serious questions about the state’s prison management, judicial oversight, and rights of prisoners.
Case Title:
Sohan Singh @ Bablu vs State of Madhya Pradesh
Appearances:
For the Petitioner:
- Mr. Mahfooz Ahsan Nazki, AOR
- Ms. Ayushma Awasthi, Adv.
- Mr. Vivek Rajan D.B., Adv.
- Mr. Hemant Gupta, Adv.
For the Respondent (State of MP):
- Ms. Mrinal Gopal Elker, AOR
- Mr. Abhimanyu Singh (Government Advocate)
- Mr. Saurabh Singh, Adv.
