Ranchi, July 21: The Supreme Court on Monday upheld the Jharkhand High Court’s order directing the release of Wasseypur gangster Faheem Khan, dismissing the Jharkhand government’s appeal against the decision.
The ruling is considered a significant legal setback for the state government, which had sought to overturn the High Court’s verdict.
A bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and Mahadevan, declined to interfere with the High Court’s judgment after hearing arguments from both sides.
The case centres on the remission policy applicable to Faheem Khan, who is serving a prison sentence in connection with a murder case.
In its judgment delivered on November 7, 2025, the Jharkhand High Court held that the state’s Remission Board had wrongly considered Khan’s plea under the 2007 Remission Policy while rejecting his request for premature release.
The High Court observed that since Khan’s conviction was delivered by the trial court on June 15, 1991, his case should be governed by the 1984 remission policy, which was applicable at the relevant time.
It ruled that the 2007 policy could not be applied retrospectively and directed the state government to release him within six weeks.
Challenging the order, the Jharkhand government moved the Supreme Court, arguing that the High Court’s decision should be set aside.
However, the apex court dismissed the state’s petition, effectively affirming the High Court’s interpretation of the remission rules.
Despite the High Court’s direction, the release order was not implemented within the stipulated period.
Faheem Khan subsequently filed a contempt petition before the High Court, alleging non-compliance with its order by the state authorities.
With the Supreme Court refusing to interfere, the High Court’s order remains in force, paving the way for Khan’s release, subject to the completion of necessary legal and administrative formalities.
The Jharkhand government is reportedly examining the remaining legal options available following the apex court’s decision.
