Md. Munna vs Union of India & Ors.

The Supreme Court held that the petitioner, convicted under Section 302 IPC, is entitled to be released after serving 20 years of imprisonment, as per the Explanation to Section 61 of the West Bengal Correctional Services Act, 1992, which equates life imprisonment to a term of 20 years. The Court clarified that 'imprisonment for life' should not be treated as 'rigorous imprisonment' unless commuted under Section 55 IPC. The Court dismissed the petitioner's claims regarding illegal detention and compensation, affirming the legality of his continued imprisonment beyond 20 years.