“Delhi High Court Grants Aftab Poonawala 8-Hour Daily Release from Prison Cell”
Image Source:- NDTV
The Delhi High Court has ruled in favor of Aftab Amin Poonawala, the accused in the gruesome murder case involving his live-in partner, Shraddha Walkar. Poonawala had requested relief from his solitary confinement, citing unequal treatment compared to other inmates at Tihar prison. The court ordered Tihar authorities to allow Poonawala eight hours of daily release from his cell, aligning with the standard practice for other prisoners. However, during the night, he is to be lodged in solitary confinement.
Poonawala’s lawyer, Akshay Bhandari, argued that his client had been unfairly isolated since March the previous year, contrary to the usual practice. Poonawala claimed that he was only permitted to leave his cell for two hours daily, unlike other prisoners who enjoyed eight hours of freedom. He also raised concerns about his inability to communicate with fellow inmates, emphasizing the illegality of his confinement conditions.
Tihar jail officials contested these claims, clarifying that Poonawala was not in solitary confinement but was housed separately in a special security ward along with other inmates. This arrangement was instituted following a Delhi court’s directive in March the prior year, issued after Poonawala was attacked by members of the public during his court appearance. The court ordered enhanced security measures for his safety due to perceived threats.
The tragic incident involving Poonawala and Walkar unfolded in May 2022 when Walkar was allegedly murdered by Poonawala at their rented accommodation in south Delhi’s Chhattarpur Pahadi. Poonawala then dismembered Walkar’s body and disposed of the remains in forested areas around south Delhi, managing to evade capture until his arrest in November of the same year. The couple, originally from Vasai near Mumbai, had been in a long-standing relationship, despite opposition from Walkar’s family.
The court’s decision to grant Poonawala increased daily release time reflects ongoing legal proceedings and considerations regarding his confinement conditions amidst the high-profile nature of the case.
Author:- Apoorva Arora