Accused cannot be allowed to die in prison: Court

A court here has said that a person cannot be allowed to die in prison due to lack of medical treatment and the negligent attitude of jail authorities.

Additional Sessions Judge Lokesh Kumar Sharma said this while granting interim bail to 82-year-old Krishan Gopal Bali, facing trial in a rape case.

Citing ill health, Bali had requested the court to grant him bail.

The court granted him interim bail for a month, observing that the accused was presented before it on a wheel chair as he was unable to walk properly.

The court in the order delivered last week pulled up jail officials after it was told by the defence counsel that Bali was not getting proper treatment and he was not taken to the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences Hospital to ascertain his mental condition despite the court's directions.

Police opposed the bail plea, saying the accused may try to influence the victim if released on bail.

The court directed the accused that he should not attempt to contact or influence the victim either directly or indirectly.

Bali was also directed to furnish a personal bond of Rs.50,000 with one surety of the like amount.