Delhi HC Grants Bail To Four Convicts In Saumya Vishwanathan Murder Case

The Delhi High Court granted bail to four convicts in the Delhi journalist Saumya Vishwanathan's murder case of 2008.

The four convicts moved the high court against their conviction in the case by the trial court. ( Image Source :PTI )

The Delhi High Court on Monday granted bail to four convicts in the Delhi journalist Saumya Vishwanathan's murder case of 2008. The court passed the order after taking note of the fact that the four convicts had already served sentences for 14 years and 9 months.

A division bench of Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Justice Manoj Jain suspended the sentences till the pendency of their appeals in the matter, ANI reported.

While speaking to ANI, the counsel for the four convicts, Advocate Amit Kumar said, "the court has suspended the sentence of all four accused persons convicts during the pendency of the appeal. The main consideration was the period of custody that they have undergone to date... There is a probability that Ajay Kumar may come (out). But the other three people can avail of the regular furlough and payroll facility which is available as per the jail manual. The sentences of Ravi Kapoor, Amit Sukla, Baljeet Malik and Ajay Kumar have been suspended today. Yes, the three were convicted in Jagisha's murder case also. They are undergoing this life sentence. In that case, there is no date. The appeal will be heard in due course..."

The bench allowed their application seeking suspension of sentence after taking note of the fact that the four men had already served a significant time in custody. The four convicts moved the high court against their conviction in the case by the trial court.

After a 15-years-long trial, the court on October 18 convicted Baljeet Malik, Ravi Kapoor, Amit Shukla and Ajay Kumar in Journalist Saumya Vishwanathan's murder case.

On January 23, the high court sought Delhi Police’s response in their bail plea.