Astrologer sentenced for begging let off from detention

Ordering release of Dheeraj Joshi, Additional Sessions Judge Vinay Kumar Khanna said "it is deemed desirable to release the appellant after due admonition".

"There is nothing on record to indicate that appellant is likely to beg again. On considering the age of appellant, and the report of probationary officer, this court is satisfied that Joshi should be released after due admonition," the judge said.

While ordering Joshi's release, the court also ordered him to execute a personal bond of Rs 5,000 and give an undertaking that "he shall abstain from begging and be of good behaviour."

The sentence awarded by the magisterial court was modified by the sessions court on Joshi's plea for leniency.

"Joshi has four minor children and aged parents. He was doing the work of an astrologer. He used to see hands of the people and only then obtain money from them," the counsel told the court adding that Joshi has languished in the centre for rehabilitation since July 27, 2012.

The police had booked Joshi under the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act 1959 and had told the court that he was caught begging from the passersby in South Delhi.