The catch? He’s not free to roam; he has to stay within Delhi limits until his appeal is finally heard. This isn’t just a legal technicality; it’s a reminder that justice in India can stretch for decades, and sometimes, the system itself becomes the prisoner of time. The state of Manipur fought against this move, citing the sensitivity of the crime. But the SC’s decision highlights a deeper tension: When someone spends nearly two decades in jail, does the law still see them as guilty; or as a case that’s outlived its punishment? For government job aspirants and law students alike, this case is a sobering lesson in how long appeals can drag on; and how critical it is to understand the delays baked into our judicial system. This isn’t about politics, it’s about process; and how one decision can ripple across the lives of victims, families, and even the accused.