Supreme Court grants furlough to murderer Vikas Yadav for Holi, despite victim’s family concerns.

The Supreme Court has granted Vikas Yadav, serving a 25-year sentence for the 2002 murder of Nitish Katara, a temporary furlough until March 7 to celebrate Holi. Yadav, who has served 23 years, had his request denied by the Delhi High Court, which cited ineligibility under prison rules. The top court, however, upheld the furlough, emphasizing rehabilitation and the need to move beyond prolonged punishment. The case stems from a caste-based revenge killing linked to an alleged affair between Katara and Vikas Yadav’s sister. The court allowed the victim’s family to seek additional security during the release. The matter remains pending as the court awaits responses from the Delhi government and family.