The Delhi High Court has dismissed Vikas Yadav's plea for furlough, a temporary release from prison. Yadav, who is serving a 25-year sentence for his role in the 2002 murder of Nitish Katara, sought release to spend time with his newlywed wife. The court cited the gravity of the offense and the severity of the sentence as reasons for the rejection, upholding the jail authorities' earlier decision.
Background of the Nitish Katara Murder
The Nitish Katara case involves the abduction and murder of a business executive. The crime, which occurred in 2002, was motivated by opposition to Katara's alleged relationship with Bharti Yadav, the sister of Vikas Yadav. The fact that Katara and Bharti belonged to different castes was a key factor cited in the dispute.
Vikas Yadav, son of Uttar Pradesh politician D P Yadav, and his cousin Vishal Yadav, were convicted for their involvement.
A third co-convict, Sukhdev Yadav, received a 20-year jail term.
Nitish Katara's charred body was discovered near Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.
The Supreme Court ultimately sentenced Vikas and Vishal Yadav to 25 years imprisonment without remission.
Legal Proceedings Regarding Furlough
Vikas Yadav's request for furlough has been the subject of multiple legal challenges and pronouncements. Furlough, distinct from parole, is a temporary release granted to long-term inmates who have completed a portion of their sentence.
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October 29, 2025: Jail authorities rejected Yadav's furlough request, citing the gravity of the offense, the severity of his sentence, and apprehensions that he might flee or harm the victim's family.
November 6 & 7, 2025: The Delhi High Court issued notices to the Delhi government, Director General (Prisons), Katara's mother Neelam Katara, and witness Ajay Katara, seeking their responses. The court noted that Yadav had been in continuous custody for 23 years without prior furlough.
May 9, 2025: The Delhi High Court reserved its order on Yadav's furlough plea, with the decision pending.
Recent Rulings: The Delhi High Court has now formally dismissed the plea for furlough, as well as a separate plea for an extension of interim bail.
Arguments and Court's Stance
Vikas Yadav's defense argued that he had served over 23 years of his sentence without remission and had fulfilled eligibility criteria under the Delhi Prison Rules. His counsel highlighted his recent marriage and his desire to spend time with his wife, presenting a marriage certificate and photographs as evidence.
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However, the court has emphasized the serious nature of the crime. The jail authorities' rejection was based on several factors:
The inherent gravity of the offense.
The severity of the sentence imposed by the Supreme Court.
Objections from the victim's family, including concerns about Yadav potentially fleeing or causing harm.
The court also stated it lacked the power to grant or extend interim bail post-conviction, asserting that only the Supreme Court possesses such special powers.
The outcome of this furlough plea underscores the court's consideration of the crime's context and the victim's family's concerns in its judicial deliberations.
Sources:
lawfinder.news: https://www.lawfinder.news/articles/Nitish-Katara-murder-Delhi-HC-dismisses-Vikas-Yadav%27s-plea-for-release-on-furlough - Published ~10 hours ago, providing a direct report on the dismissal.
devdiscourse.com: https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3801028-delhi-high-court-upholds-vikas-yadavs-furlough-rejection - Published ~39 minutes ago, confirming the High Court's upholding of the furlough rejection.
hindustantimes.com: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/nitish-katara-murder-case-delhi-hc-issues-notice-on-convict-vikas-yadav-s-furlough-plea-101762417685007.html - Reported on AOL, detailing the initial issuance of notice by the High Court and the grounds for the jail authorities' rejection.
aninews.in: https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/delhi-hc-dismisses-vikas-yadavs-plea-for-extension-of-interim-bail-in-nitish-katara-murder-case20250910012920/ - Reported on AOL, concerning a separate but related plea for the extension of interim bail.
barandbench.com: https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/delhi-high-court-denies-furlough-to-nitish-katara-murder-convict-vikas-yadav - Published ~10 hours ago, also reporting the denial of furlough and mentioning the legal representation.
therisingnews.com: https://www.therisingnews.com/delhi-high-court-rejects-nitish-katara-murder-convicts-bail-extension/news - Published September 10, 2025, focusing on the rejection of bail extension and the court's observation on its powers.
newindianexpress.com: https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2025/Nov/07/delhi-high-court-asks-govt-to-reply-on-vikas-yadavs-petition - Published November 7, 2025, detailing the court's directive for government response and grounds for denial.
lawchakra.in: https://lawchakra.in/high-court/nitish-katara-murder-case-order-vikas-yada/ - Published May 9, 2025, indicating that the court had reserved its order at that time.
theweek.in: https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2025/11/06/lgd5-dl-hc-katara.html - Published November 6, 2025, reporting the court's request for the Delhi government to respond.
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