Odisha’s Sentence Review Board dismissed Dara Singh’s request for early release on Thursday, after the Supreme Court had demanded a decision by the end of the day. The board had previously declined the plea five times—in November 2016, June 2019, December 2020, January 2022, and February 2023—citing the gravity of the crime and the facts of the case.
On August 15, 2026, a crowd of 200‑250 supporters of the convicted militant gathered outside Kendujhar district jail, chanting slogans in anticipation of Singh’s potential release. The protest was recorded by local media and later reported by district authorities, who noted the demonstrators’ affiliation with a group called ‘Dara Sena’ but offered no clear recommendation on the matter.
Justice Manoj Misra, chairing the bench, angrily warned the state that it could not keep the decision pending. "No we are not adjourning the case…you can reject or accept, but you can't let it linger," he told the lawyer representing Odisha. The court subsequently adjourned the hearing to September 17, labeling it the state’s "last chance" before summoning the chief secretary.
In March 2025, the district authorities had provisionally suggested that Singh could be released on condition that he comply with strict monitoring to prevent social discord. That recommendation, however, was deemed inconclusive by the court, which insisted on a definitive decision.
Singh has served 26 years behind bars and has cited a Supreme Court mercy ruling in the Rajiv Gandhi case to justify his request for remission. He maintains that he regrets the 1999 killings and seeks a second chance, claiming that "every saint has a past, every sinner has a future."
The Supreme Court will hear the amended plea on September 17, 2026. Until then, the state must decide whether to uphold its rejection or grant Singh the early release he seeks.