In the case concerning the murder of Shraddha Walkar, the Delhi High Court has granted Aftab Amin Poonawala, the accused, permission to spend 8 hours outside solitary confinement during the day. The court observed that Aftab had personally refuted any perceived threats during the daytime, prompting the directive to jail authorities to allow him to interact with other inmates during this period.

The bench, comprising Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Justice Girish Kathpalia held that as the petitioner himself has negated any perceived threats during daylight hours, they direct the relevant Jail Authority to allow the petitioner to spend 8 hours each day with other inmates. Additionally, it was further directed that during nighttime, the petitioner must be lodged in solitary confinement.

Aftab filed a habeas corpus petition seeking release from solitary confinement for 8 hours a day, akin to other prisoners, while ensuring his safety and security. The respondent, represented by Standing Counsel Sanjay Lao, submitted a status report indicating that Aftab is undergoing trial for specific offenses and is presently housed separately in a Special Security Ward within Central Jail No. 4, Tihar, due to a previous assault.

Advocate Akshay Bhandari, representing Aftab, contended that Aftab should be granted the same duration of time outside solitary confinement as other inmates during the day, with placement in a solitary cell at night to ensure security. However, the Standing Counsel countered, suggesting that Aftab might still be vulnerable to risks during daytime hours.

After carefully considering the facts and circumstances, the Court directed the Jail Authority to release Aftab for 8 hours each day to interact with other prisoners, as he had denied any threat perception during daytime. However, it was ordered that during nighttime, Aftab must be lodged in a solitary cell for security reasons.

Case Title: Aaftab Amin Poonawala v State Govt Of NCT Of Delhi