In a compassionate yet reasoned decision, the Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the release of Anilkumar alias Lapetu Ramshakal Sharma, who has spent nearly 22 years behind bars for a murder driven by family honour. The bench, led by Justice K. Vinod Chandran and Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, observed that “three more months in jail would make no difference either to the victim’s family or to the convict’s remorse.”
Background
Anilkumar was convicted under Sections 302 and 307 of the Indian Penal Code for the murder of a man who was reportedly in love with his sister. The prosecution said the act was premeditated and carried out along with a co-accused, to “protect family prestige.” The trial court in Greater Mumbai had sentenced him to life imprisonment, and he has been serving that sentence for almost two decades.
Seeking premature release, the appellant argued that the Maharashtra government wrongly classified his case under Category 4(d) of the 2010 remission guidelines, which would make him eligible for release after 24 years. His counsel maintained that his act fell under Category 3(b), reserved for murders committed over family honour or prestige, where eligibility arises after 22 years.
Court’s Observations
The bench carefully examined the remission guidelines and the nature of the crime. It agreed that the act was indeed premeditated but also recognised the underlying motive of “family prestige,” which the prosecution itself had highlighted during trial. “The crime, though not condonable, was committed to uphold perceived family honour,” the Court said.
Noting that Anilkumar was just past 18 years old at the time of the offence, the Court also emphasised the need for humane consideration in cases of long incarceration. “Three months more in jail would neither bring solace to the victim’s family nor deepen the convict’s repentance,” the bench remarked in a moment of striking candour.
The judges also took note of the custody certificate, which confirmed that Anilkumar had already completed more than 20 years and seven months of imprisonment by September 2024, amounting to nearly 22 years as of now.
Decision
Allowing the appeal, the Supreme Court directed the Maharashtra government to release Anilkumar immediately. The bench concluded that his case should have been assessed under Category 3(b) of the remission policy, entitling him to earlier release.
“The appellant’s contention is valid,” the Court held, adding that continued incarceration served no meaningful purpose. With this, the Court closed the matter and disposed of all pending applications.
The order was pronounced on October 7, 2025, marking yet another instance where the apex court sought a balance between justice and compassion.
Case: Anilkumar @ Lapetu Ramshakal Sharma v. State of Maharashtra & Ors.
Case Type: Criminal Appeal (@ SLP (Crl.) No. 8539 of 2025)
Date of Judgment: October 7, 2025