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2018 Supreme(Megh) 80

IN THE HIGH COURT OF MEGHALAYA
Mohammad Yaqoob Mir, J.
Joplangki Dkhar - Appellant
Versus
State of Meghalaya and Another - Respondents
BA No. 17 of 2018
Decided On : 14-12-2018

Important Points

The guarantee of life under Article 21 of the Constitution must be considered in balancing the heinousness of a crime with the critical health condition of an accused when deciding on bail applications.

Subject

Criminal Law - Bail and Release

Act Referred

CONSTITUTION OF INDIA : Art.21
CRIMINAL PROCEDURE CODE : S.439
INDIAN PENAL CODE : S.307, S.392, S.34, S.326

Headnote

Bail - Health Grounds - Release of Accused on Medical Grounds

Fact of the Case:

The petitioner, an accused in a criminal case, applied for bail on health grounds due to suffering from serious heart diseases and other ailments. The medical status report confirmed the critical condition of the petitioner, recommending urgent treatment at a hospital.

Finding of the Court:

The court found that the petitioner's life was in jeopardy due to his critical health condition and that further incarceration may have serious effects on his life. The court exercised discretion in a reasonable manner and allowed the application on exceptional medical grounds.

Issues: The main issue was whether the petitioner should be released on bail due to his critical health condition despite the heinousness of the alleged crime.

Ratio Decidendi: The court considered the guarantee of life under Article 21 of the Constitution and balanced the heinousness of the crime with the critical health condition of the accused. It exercised discretion in favor of the accused's release on exceptional medical grounds.

Final Decision: The application for bail on health grounds was allowed, and the petitioner was ordered to be released on furnishing surety bond and personal bond, with the condition to remain available for investigation purposes and not to impede the investigation.

Advocates:
Advocate Appeared:
For the Appellant : K.C. Gautam.
For the Respondent: Mr. S. Sen Gupta.

JUDGMENT :

Mohammad Yaqoob Mir, J.

1. Petitioner in connection with Khliehriat P.S. Case No. 195 (11) 2018 under Sections 307/392/34, 326 IPC has been arrested on 18.11.2018, he had applied for grant of bail on health ground which has been rejected by the Additional District Magistrate (J), East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat vide order dated 03.12.2016 wherein, the learned Magistrate has observed that in the interest of investigation, more time as prayed by the I/O to dig out the truth and facts of this instant case has to be allowed.

2. The instant application has now been filed under section 439 Cr.P.C. 1973 invoking the power of this Court for grant of bail, objections have been filed.

3. Today, when the matter was taken up for consideration, learned counsel for the petitioner stated that the life of the petitioner is in jeopardy as he is suffering from various ailments. He has undergone major open heart surgery needs regular checkup. Presently he is admitted in hospital, such type of patient requires treatment as well as safe environment.

4. In support of his submission, has placed on record photo copies of the medical prescriptions. Today he has produced the medical status report dated 07.12.2018 issued by the Senior Medical & Health Officer, District Jail, Jowai, same is quoted hereunder:-

"Medical Establishment

District Jail, Jowai

Medical Status Report

Name

Shri Sharming Shadap

Age

52 yrs.

Sex

Male

Status

Undertrial prisoner [UTP]

On clinical examination of Shri Sharming Shadap UTP, he is found to be suffering from Serious Heart Diseases along with High Blood Pressure and Pericardial Effusion and General Ill Health.

The patient had undergone a major open heart surgery (Coronary bypass Surgery) a few months back and is still slowly recuperating from the effect of his surgical operation and he is urgent needs for regular check up and monitoring of his health condition by his supervising doctors of GNRC, Hospital Guwahati.

At present his medical condition is still unstable with Fluctuation Blood Pressure, Tachycardia (irregular heartbeats) and Constant Chest Pain. The patient is weak and suffering from depression and anxiety which can further exacerbate his heart condition.

Base on these criteria, I strongly recommend that the patient Shri Sharming Shadap be urgent allowed to go to further treatment at GNRC Hospital, Guwahati where his surgery was performed otherwise his health may be in jeopardy.

Sd/-

Dated: The 7th December, 2018

Jowai Senior Medical & Health Officer,

District Jail, Jowai."

5. The medical status report is self explanatory. Life is precious and is guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. No doubt heinousness of the crime cannot be ignored. However, when the health condition of the alleged accused (petitioner herein) is critical then in that eventuality discretion has to be exercised in a reasonable manner. The medical status report as quoted above, reveals as to what is the condition of the petitioner (accused), further incarceration may have serious effect on his life. The accused can be tried if proved to have committed the offence can be convicted/sentenced but in case accused losses life, who can be tried then convicted or acquitted.

6. Therefore, on exceptional medical ground, the petitioner deserves to be released which is not opposed by learned Addl. PP. Therefore, the application is allowed. The petitioner (accused) be released on furnishing surety bond to the tune of Rs. 50,000/- to the satisfaction of Joint Registrar (J) and personal bond of the like amount to the satisfaction of Superintendent of Jail concerned or investigating officer. The petitioner will remain available to the investigating officer as and when required for investigation purposes. Further, he will not in any manner directly or indirectly impede the inves

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