The Indian Supreme Court is considering the potential release of Dara Singh, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for the 1999 murder of Australian Christian missionary Graham Staines and his two sons in Odisha. Singh, now 62, filed a plea for remission in July 2024, arguing he has served over 25 years in prison and has maintained good conduct.
In his petition, Singh attributed the crime to "the fervour of youth" and expressed remorse for his actions, stating there was no personal animosity towards the victims. He acknowledged "transgressions committed more than two decades ago" and asserted that his "psyche momentarily lost restraint." He denied personal involvement in specific incidents, such as truck hijackings of Muslim traders transporting cows, but admitted to being "actively involved in the movement against illegal trade in cows and cowslaughter."
An inquiry commission led by retired Supreme Court judge DP Wadhwa had previously ruled that Singh acted alone, despite initial allegations by church leaders that hardline Hindu organization Bajrang Dal was involved. Singh denied membership in the organization.
Gladys Staines, Graham Staines' widow, who remained in India with their daughter Esther until July 2004, stated she had forgiven Dara Singh in the Christian spirit, viewing forgiveness as a path to healing.
Last year, the Supreme Court directed the state government to decide on Singh's plea. However, authorities have yet to communicate their decision. During a hearing on August 19, the state informed the court that the Sentence Review Board (SRB), which is examining Singh's petition, required additional paperwork and requested an adjournment.
Expressing frustration with the repeated delays, a two-judge bench warned that if the SRB did not make a decision by September 2, the court would intervene. "You take a decision, whichever way you want. If you do not take a decision, then we will," the bench stated.