Preeti Rathi Acid Attack & Murder Case: Bombay High Court Rejects Convict's Plea For Transfer To 'Open Prison' Citing Discipline Issue

The Bombay High Court has rejected a plea from Ankur Panwar, the convict in the 2013 Preeti Rathi acid attack and murder case, who was seeking a transfer to an open prison. The court upheld the decision of the prison authorities, who had denied his request based on his poor disciplinary record during his incarceration. The authorities cited instances of misconduct, including his involvement in a riot inside Nashik Central Jail, as evidence that he was not yet suited for the less restrictive environment of an open prison. The High Court found the reasoning of the authorities to be sound and saw no reason to interfere with their assessment. The rejection of the plea means that Panwar, who is serving a life sentence, will continue his term in a closed prison, underscoring that eligibility for concessions like transfer to an open prison is contingent upon good behavior.