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SC grants Vikas Yadav 10-day furlough in Nitish Katara murder case
The Supreme Court granted Vikas Yadav a 10-day furlough for May 12–22, 2026, with surrender by May 22. This followed earlier court and administrative decisions, including a February 2026 HC denial and a February 2026 SC interim furlough precedent. The case remains tied to the Nitish Katara murder, a high-profile 2002 crime linked to family connections.
Why It Matters
The decision highlights ongoing debates over furlough eligibility and the influence of perceived social status on remissions in serious criminal cases.
Timeline
6 Events
May 11, 2026: SC grants 10-day furlough (May 12–22)
May 11, 2026
The Supreme Court ordered temporary release of Vikas Yadav for 10 days beginning May 12, 2026, with a direction to surrender by May 22, 2026.
February 27, 2026: SC grants furlough (Feb 28–Mar 7)
February 27, 2026
A Supreme Court bench granted furlough to Vikas Yadav, allowing him to be on furlough from February 28 to March 7, 2026, pending consideration of the legal issue of his entitlement.
February 11, 2026: Delhi HC upholds furlough denial
February 11, 2026
The Delhi High Court upheld the order rejecting furlough, stating there was no arbitrariness, illegality, or violation of constitutional rights in the prior decision.
December 1, 2025: Corrigendum to furlough denial
December 1, 2025
A corrigendum dated December 1, 2025 related to the October 29 denial of furlough is noted in the proceedings.
October 29, 2025: Jail authorities deny furlough
October 29, 2025
Yadav was initially denied furlough by jail authorities. He challenged this denial before the High Court, citing eligibility under Delhi Prison Rules.
April 24, 2025: Interim bail granted to Vikas Yadav
April 24, 2025
Vikas Yadav obtained interim bail on account of his mother’s illness in 2025 and extended it pending directions from the top court to surrender. This sets a background for later furlough discussions in the case.