Mattoo family and friends “shattered”, Singh relieved | Latest News Delhi - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Mattoo family and friends “shattered”, Singh relieved

Hindustan Times | ByHarish V Nair, New Delhi
Oct 07, 2010 01:11 AM IST

The Supreme Court’s decision to commute the sentence of accused Santosh Kumar Singh from death to life imprisonment has evoked mixed reactions.

The Supreme Court’s decision to commute the sentence of accused Santosh Kumar Singh from death to life imprisonment has evoked mixed reactions.

While Singh said he was “relieved”, Priyadarshini Mattoo’s family and friends said they were “shattered” and vowed to continue their fight for justice.

HT Image
HT Image

Mattoo’s father Chaman Lal Mattoo, 74, hinted he would file a review petition in the Supreme Court against the judgment.
“It is the saddest day of my life. The apex court has not done justice to either me or to my daughter. I will not leave the battle for justice for my daughter midway. I will continue the fight till my last breath,” said a shattered Mattoo.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Activists and friends of the Mattoos also expressed disgust at the decision. Aditya Raj Kaul, who spearheaded the ‘Justice for Priyadarshini’ campaign said, “We thought the HC verdict would be upheld.”

Neelam Katara, mother of murdered businessman Nitish Katara says, “A life sentence, in our country, means freedom for
culprits, once they are out on bail.” National Commission for Women chairperson Girija Vyas said, “I am pained, sad and worried.”

However, Singh, lodged in the Tihar jail, told prison officials who informed him of the Supreme Court order, “I am feeling relieved. I am happy and satisfied.” Delhi High Court judge Justice R S Sodhi (now retired), who overturned Singh’s acquittal by the trial court and handed down the death sentence in December 2006 said, “It is all right if the Supreme Court says that the case does not deserve the maximum punishment (death penalty). The apex court judges are wiser and they have profound knowledge of law.”

Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On