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Synopsis

A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court on Wednesday denied parole to Swami Shraddhanand who is currently undergoing life imprisonment for the murder of his wife Shakereh Khaleeli.

Justice KM Joseph led bench also allowed Shraddhanand to withdraw his writ petition which was in fact filed 10 years ago.

The bench comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and Ashanuddin Amanullah also clarified that the dismissal of the writ petition would not prejudice other remedies open to the self-styled godman.

Notably, the bench was told by Shraddhanand's lawyer that the direction in the said order convicting him that "he shall not be released" was being misunderstood.

"Temporary parole not covered by this order, Ram Rahim released every 3 month..", Court was further told.

The bench was further told that the petitioner was 82 years old and was awarded as the best prisoner 7 times. State of Karnataka vehemently opposed the grant of parole and submitted that originally, Shraddhanand was granted a death sentence which was reduced to life imprisonment with the stipulation of not being released.

Senior Advocate Sanjay Hedge, appeared for the family of the deceased victim, submitted before the bench, "Lets take Shraddhanand out of the situation, what if it was Ajmal Kasab, who was given life sentence, would the court consider his case for granting parole..if there was an order that he was to be in jail for the rest of his life."

A further argument was made on the difference between furlough and parole, and that a specific reason is required for grant of parole.

Application seeking ban on release of web series titled Dancing on the Grave:

The top court also heard an application filed by Shraddhanand seeking to stop circulation of web series Dancing On The Grave, which released on Amazon Prime video, submitting that it prejudiced his case pending before the Supreme Court.

"They enter jail and are portraying him to be a monster...", the Court was told.

It was argued against such application by the victim's family that Shraddhanand had willingly given his interview.

"He was interviewed on his free will, there are four episodes..", Amazon Prime told the court. The counsel on behalf of the production house informed the bench that no editing was done to the interview.

Case Title: Swamy Shraddhanand vs. State of Karnataka