Yesterday, Delhi's Patiala House Court refused to grant bail to the woman who is accused of stealing laptops and iPads from the Delhi High Court complex. The court acknowledged the severity and gravity of the offense.

The bench of Duty Metropolitan Magistrate Parad Dalal, while rejecting the bail, held that considering the gravity of the charges, the accused is to be remanded to judicial custody. This decision was influenced by the apprehension expressed by the Investigation officer that if released on bail, the accused might flee, intimidate witnesses, or engage in similar offenses using the same method.

Case Brief -

On July 10 the bag containing the laptop and iPad of a law intern was stolen from the 1st floor of the main building of the Delhi High Court. The CCTV footage clearly shows the accused lifting the bag and then taking an auto from Gate No. 7 of the High Court, stating the Lawyers appeared for the complainant.

Prabhav Ralli and Stuti Gupta, Advocates representing the complainant, submitted that the accused lady was a habitual offender and was involved in various incidents of theft having taken place in the Delhi High Court.

Delhi Police opposing the bail plea submitted that the accused has been non-co-operative throughout the investigation. After her identity was established, she was served notice to join the investigation, yet she failed and when the police officials reached her house, she refused to join the investigation and even resisted the police officers in the investigation.

IO further stated that the accused refused to share her details and as much as failed to provide any identity proof of herself.

It was further submitted that such incidents were creating fear amongst practising lawyers who carry bags and laptops on a daily basis.