Imphal, Manipur – The Manipur High Court recently granted bail and suspended the life sentence of a man convicted under the POCSO Act for sexually assaulting a 3.5-year-old girl. The Court’s decision was based on the convict’s critical health condition and the fundamental right to dignity, which continues even behind bars.
The convict was sentenced to life imprisonment by a trial court in 2018, but he filed an appeal and requested bail on medical grounds.
Justice MV Muralidaran, while passing the order, highlighted that the right to life and dignity applies to prisoners too. He said, “The dignity of an accused does not end at the prison gates. It exists until his last breath.” The Court stressed that if the State fails to provide proper medical care to prisoners, it becomes the judiciary’s duty to intervene.
The judge further pointed out that the trial court’s judgment had several legal flaws and that the convict’s appeal would not be heard anytime soon. Therefore, it was necessary to provide him with proper medical care outside the jail.
Although the State opposed the bail citing the seriousness of the crime and claimed the jail had medical facilities, the Court relied on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Union of India v. Ram Samujh, which permits bail if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the person may not be guilty and won’t commit any offence while on bail.
Acknowledging the importance of individual liberty, especially during an ongoing appeal (which is considered part of the trial), the High Court granted the convict bail on a bond of ₹50,000.
Be a part our social media community:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndianMan.in?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/indianman.in?igsh=MWZ2N3N0ZmpwM3l3cw==
