It is a benchmark judgement: CBI

New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) praised the Delhi High Court for its judgement on the Priyadarshini Mattoo rape-murder case.

Terming the verdict as "landmark,” the CBI on Monday said such cases should be an "eye-opener" for the criminal justice system and a "benchmark" for trial courts and investigating agencies.

Applauding the court’s verdict, CBI Director Vijay Shanker said, “Unfortunately, earlier the trial court didn't admit the meticulous investigations carried out by the prosecution. But in any case, this was a landmark judgment and it will help restore the confidence of the civil society on our legal system”.

Asked whether the CBI would contest the case in the Supreme Court if the convict moved the apex judiciary with a review petition, Shanker said, "We will put forth all the aspects before the Supreme Court as well".

Taking a cue from the case, he said, "We in the CBI will try now to complete the investigations within one year."

The CBI Director said the case had also highlighted the fact that scientific evidence needed to be taken note of by the courts.

Lauding the role of the media, he said, "We expect in future such cases would be brought to light with utmost objectivity and not by mere media trial."

Almost 11 years after the rape and murder of 23-year-old Priyadarshini Mattoo, the main accused Santosh Kumar Singh was on Monday sentenced to death by the Delhi High Court.

The judge ruled that the mitigating circumstances under which leniency was begged for Santosh was not enough and the brutal rape and murder does fall in the bracket of "rarest of rare" cases.

(With inputs from PTI)