The Supreme Court of India is scheduled to consider the application for the early release of Rabindra Pal, also known as Dara Singh, who was convicted in the 1999 murder of Graham Staines.

Previously, the highest court had instructed the Odisha government to make a determination regarding Singh’s release, yet no decision has been reached. A bench of the court expressed frustration upon learning that the Sentence Review Board’s report is still outstanding, raising concerns about the delay in its submission.

The court cautioned that should the state government remain inactive, it may take matters into its own hands, stating, “Decide, otherwise we will.”

Dara Singh has been incarcerated since 1999, serving a life sentence and spending over 26 years behind bars. He has filed a petition with the Supreme Court requesting the remission of his sentence.

This case continues to capture national interest, with the court’s order increasing pressure on the Odisha government and the Review Board to act promptly.