105-year-old murder convict walks free as Supreme Court orders early release

The Supreme Court on Friday freed 105-year-old murder convict Rasik Chandra Mondal, waiving his remaining life sentence due to his advanced age and deteriorating health. Born in 1920 in West Bengal’s Malda district, Mondal was convicted in 1994 for the murder of his brother, Suresh Mondal, in 1988, following a property dispute. At the time of sentencing, Mondal was 74 years old and received a life-term prison sentence. He spent nearly 34 years behind bars before being granted interim bail by the Supreme Court in November 2024. The court’s decision followed a prolonged legal battle spanning several decades. After his initial conviction, Mondal appealed to the Calcutta High Court, which upheld the verdict in 2018. His subsequent appeal to the Supreme Court was rejected in March 2019. However, in 2020, at the age of 99, Mondal filed a plea seeking premature release, citing his poor health and advancing years. His lawyer, JP Dhanda, informed the Supreme Court that Mondal could barely move and suffered from multiple ailments. During hearings, the court questioned whether Mondal was still alive, to which Dhanda confirmed he was, though in critical condition. In May 2021, the Supreme Court issued notice to the West Bengal government regarding Mondal’s request. The court considered his medical reports and acknowledged the gravity of his situation. In November 2024, it directed his release on interim bail, subject to certain conditions. A bench consisting of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana reviewed the matter again in July 2026. The court gave the state four weeks to provide further information on Mondal’s health and ability to continue litigation. On Friday, the court finalized its ruling, closing the case and waiving any remaining portion of his life sentence. Chief Justice Kant emphasized that Mondal would not be returned to custody, stating, “Even if the life sentence is not over, he will not be taken back in custody.” The court also made the interim bail granted in 2024 absolute and final. This means Mondal will live the remainder of his life outside of prison, under no legal obligation to serve further time. The decision reflects the judiciary’s recognition of the unique circumstances surrounding a defendant who has lived well beyond the typical lifespan of a prisoner. Mondal’s case highlights the intersection of legal principles and human rights considerations. While the law mandates the execution of sentences, courts have increasingly shown willingness to consider compassionate relief in extraordinary cases. Mondal’s legal team argued that his continued detention posed unnecessary risks to his health and dignity. The court’s response underscores a growing trend toward balancing punitive justice with humane treatment, particularly in cases involving elderly individuals. Legal experts suggest that Mondal’s case may set a precedent for similar petitions in the future. As populations age and lifespans extend, courts may face more requests for early release based on age and health. The outcome of such cases often hinges on the specific evidence presented, including medical records and expert testimony. In Mondal’s case, the court relied heavily on the testimonies of his lawyers and the documented health decline over the past decade. As of Friday, Mondal is free to live his remaining days without legal constraints. His family and legal representatives have expressed gratitude for the court’s decision. The case concludes a chapter of legal history marked by persistence, advocacy, and the evolving role of the judiciary in addressing complex human conditions.