Shakereh Khaleeli murder: Supreme Court upholds decision to keep Swami Shraddhananda in jail for life

The Supreme Court upheld its 2008 decision to keep Swami Shraddhananda in jail for life without remission for the murder of his wife, Shakereh Khaleeli. Shraddhananda, a self-styled godman, drugged and buried Khaleeli alive in their backyard in 1991. Her remains were discovered in 1994, leading to his arrest and conviction. Initially sentenced to death, his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment in 2008, with the condition that he would not be eligible for parole or remission. Shraddhananda’s recent review petition argued that this condition was harsher than a death sentence, but the court dismissed his plea, emphasizing the gravity of his crime. The court’s decision reflects its stance on ensuring justice for heinous crimes and maintaining the integrity of its judgments.