Archive · 14 Jun 2025
Bombay HC Rejects Acid Attack Convict's Open Prison Plea
Ankur Panwar, who attacked Preeti Rathi with acid, wanted to go back to an open prison.
However, the court said no.
The court explained that living in an open prison is not a right, but a special permission that can be taken away if rules are broken.
Panwar was found with a mobile battery, which is not allowed, so he was sent back to the regular prison.
The court decided this was fair because the prison followed the rules and gave him a chance to explain himself.
Bombay High Court dismissed an acid attack convict's plea for re-transfer to an open prison.
Ankur Panwar, convicted in the 2013 acid attack on Preeti Rathi, sought re-transfer.
Panwar was found with a mobile battery, a prohibited item, upon his return from furlough.
The court stated that open prison placement is a privilege, not a right.
The court upheld the decision to move Panwar back to a closed prison.
- Who
- Ankur Narayan Panwar, the Bombay High Court, and Preeti Rathi.
- What
- The Bombay High Court dismissed a plea by acid attack convict Ankur Panwar to be re-transferred to an open prison.
- When
- The Bombay High Court issued its order on June 11.
- Where
- Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court.
- Why
- The court ruled that open prison placement is a privilege, not a right, and upheld the decision to return Panwar to a closed prison after he was found with a prohibited item.
Ankur Panwar
Bombay High Court
Fair Hearing
Ankur Panwar
Denied a fair hearing and claimed ignorance of the mobile battery.
Bombay High Court
The court rejected these claims
- Convict
- Ankur Narayan Panwar
- Crime
- 2013 acid attack on Preeti Rathi
- Original Sentence
- Death (commuted to life imprisonment)
- Incident
- Found with a mobile battery in December 2024
- Court's Decision
- Dismissed plea for open prison re-transfer
- Legal Basis
- Maharashtra Open Prison Rules, 1971