In bail applications in a criminal appeal filed before the Delhi High Court seeking directions for the appellant’s immediate medical examination, a Division Bench of Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Justice Vikas Mahajan granted interim bail of 30 days to the appellant.
The appeal was filed to challenge a judgment of conviction dated 19-07-2025 as well as a sentencing order dated 23-07-2025 by the Additional Sessions Judge-01 (POCSO), New Delhi District, Rouse Avenue District Courts, New Delhi. By the impugned judgment, the appellant was convicted for offences punishable under Sections 363/342/376(2)(i) and 323 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 as well as Section 4 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. By the impugned sentencing order, the appellant was sentenced to life.
During jail visitation, the appellant had informed his family members that on 26-06-2026 between 7 AM to 11 AM, the appellant, along with two other inmates, had been physically assaulted by the Head Warden. The applicant also submitted that the other inmate had also moved an application before the trial court in which a direction was passed to provide him the best medical treatment as per the jail manual.
On 17-07-2026, the Court directed the preservation and production of CCTV footage, the personal appearance of the Head Warden, the appellant’s medical report by the Jail Medical Officer as well as details of medical facilities and diagnostic evaluation. On a prima facie perusal of the reports, the Court found that the appellant had suffered a fracture on the left forearm and that an elbow case was applied on him.
Noting that there was some confirmation of the alleged incident, the Court opined that the appellant was entitled to be released on interim bail. Hence, the Court granted an interim bail of 30 days to the appellant upon furnishing a personal bond of Rs. 10,000/- with a surety of like amount. The grant of bail was also subject to the appellant informing the IO of his residential address as well as his mobile number along with certain other conditions.
The Court directed the appellant to surrender before the Jail Superintendent concerned after 30 days. The other two inmates were also directed to be given proper medical treatment under the supervision of the doctors at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital, Delhi. DSLSA was relieved from appearing before the Court as compensation had already been paid to the victim.
Lastly, the Court directed the Jail Superintendent to preserve and produce the CCTV footage relating to another incident involving the appellant within a week. The matter will now be listed on 23-09-2026 for further directions.
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