Summary: Asif @ Naeem, a Bangladeshi citizen, was denied early release by the Delhi High Court even after serving over 21 years for a serious crime. The court found that the Sentence Review Board's decision lacked proper evaluation.
On 17th February 2026, the Delhi High Court, led by Justice Sanjeev Narula, gave a decision on the request made by Asif @ Naeem. Asif was found guilty back in January 2010 for serious crimes, including murder during a robbery, in a case filed in 2004 at Mansarovar Park, Delhi.
Asif's guilt was confirmed by a group of judges on 19th February 2014, which upheld his guilt under certain sections of the Indian Penal Code. However, he was cleared of other charges related to stolen property and weapons.
Asif was moved to Bangladesh on 1st December 2021 to continue his sentence. By 18th January 2026, he had been in prison for over 21 years, including time off for good behavior, totaling over 27 years.
The Sentence Review Board (SRB) previously denied Asif's release in 2024. After a court order in May 2025, the SRB reconsidered but again rejected his release on 30th July 2025. The SRB cited the serious nature of the crime and potential risk of reoffending as reasons.
“The Board believes that... it might not be good for society to release someone who committed such a serious crime...”
Justice Sanjeev Narula found the SRB's decision lacking a proper evaluation process. The decision mainly focused on the seriousness of the crime without considering Asif's behavior in prison or his potential for rehabilitation.
The court emphasized the need for decisions to be based on the Delhi Prison Rules, 2018, and the 2004 policy which stress rehabilitation and societal reintegration. The SRB failed to provide a detailed assessment of Asif's behavior and rehabilitation prospects.
The court overturned the SRB's decision, stating that Asif was eligible for early release. The Government of NCT of Delhi was directed to process his release within two weeks and communicate with Bangladesh for implementation.
“Asif @ Naeem is considered suitable for early release under the applicable framework...”
This case shows the importance of careful evaluations in decisions regarding early release, ensuring they align with policy and legal standards.
