HC admits appeal to enhance Nooriya Haveliwala's punishment

"Usually five year sentences are suspended and the accused are granted bail. What is so unusual about this case? She (Nooriya) was on bail during the trial period," Justice A M Thipsay said.

The court was hearing the bail application filed by Nooriya, along with an appeal challenging her conviction by the lower court. Nooriya was sentenced to five years imprisonment for culpable homicide and drunken driving.

Nooriya had in January 2010 rammed her SUV into a taxi and stationery police vehicle in south Mumbai, killing two persons including a traffic police constable.

Maharashtra government had last week filed two appeals -one seeking enhancement of her punishment to 10 years and another challenging her acquittal under the Narcotics, Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) and under various sections of Indian Penal Code for causing voluntary hurt and obstructing a police officer from discharging his duty.

Admitting the appeal seeking enhancement, Justice Thipsay said the second appeal challenging Nooriya's acquittal will be heard and decided after perusing evidence.

The court will hear Nooriya's bail plea tomorrow.