In a major development in the 2006 Nithari serial killings case, the Supreme Court on Tuesday acquitted Surendra Koli and set aside his conviction. The bench comprising Chief Justice BR Gavai, Justice Surya Kant and Justice Vikram Nath directed that Koli be released immediately if he is not wanted in any other case. While pronouncing the order, Justice Vikram Nath stated that Koli has been acquitted of all charges. The court observed, “The curative petition is allowed. The petitioner is acquitted of the charges. The petitioner shall be released forthwith.” This marks the end of Koli’s 19-year-long legal battle in the Nithari case.
