105-year-old murder convict gets relief as Supreme Court closes 1988 case

The Supreme Court of India has granted a significant reprieve to Rasik Chandra Mondal, a 105-year-old convict serving a life sentence for a 1988 murder case. Citing his extreme age and deteriorating health, the court ordered the closure of his case and waived any remaining portion of his sentence.

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Is he still alive?

Mondal, who was convicted in 1994 by a district court in West Bengal's Malda district, had been engaged in a decades-long legal battle. His conviction was upheld by the Calcutta High Court in 2018, and his appeal was dismissed by the Supreme Court in March 2019. In 2020, at the age of 99, he approached the top court seeking premature release.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant inquired about Mondal's current status, with his advocate confirming he was alive but unable to move and suffering from various ailments. The court, also including justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, acknowledged the humanitarian considerations involved.

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Yes, he is very much alive. Only that he cannot move and has other health ailments.

"Having regard to the age of the petitioner, we close the case and waive the remaining sentence, if any," the bench stated. Mondal had previously been granted interim bail in November 2024 due to his multiple health issues. The court's decision on Friday marks the culmination of his plea for release based on compassionate grounds.

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Having regard to the age of the petitioner, we close the case and waive the remaining sentence, if any.