The Supreme Court on Monday granted bail to Pakistani microbiologist Mohammad Khalil Chisti, undergoing life imprisonment in the Ajmer jail in a murder case. It asked him to remain in Ajmer until further orders.
A Bench of Justices P. Sathasivam and J. Chelameswar granted bail on a special leave petition filed by Dr. Chisti against the Rajasthan High Court judgment upholding his conviction and life sentence awarded by the trial court.
Senior counsel U.U. Lalit, appearing for Dr. Chisti, submitted that the appellant was 80 years old and a resident of Karachi. He was in Ajmer for the last 20 years. The main prosecution witnesses, PW-4 and PW-5, did not attribute any specific overt act to the appellant and it was a case of free fight. Counsel prayed that Dr. Chisti be enlarged on bail.
But counsel for the State of Rajasthan submitted that the courts had relied upon evidence of PW-3 and in addition, he being a Pakistani national, it was not desirable to release him on bail at this juncture.
When the Bench was inclined to grant bail, Mr. Lalit said Dr. Chisti might be permitted to stay in Delhi after his release on bail and he should also be sent to Karachi. Counsel for the State objected to this plea and said Dr. Chisti's visa was restricted to Ajmer.
Good. Proud of Supreme court of India!
Why release a murderer on 'humanitarian' grounds, be it an Indian or Pakistani? This will demoralize our police and law-enforcement.
Really happy to hear this news... Although I am no way connected to this case, it touched my
heart. Pakistan should also do the same to the indian prisoners.
Convict a criminal but do not follow personal /idealogical reasons to punish a human being.
Respect human lives. Thanks to 'The Hindu.' for publishing this news.
Wah India! 19 years for someone to get some relief from the justice system!! How many more such prisoners are waiting to see the light of the day?
A thing that should have received this kind of action long back. A small
matter. A strong goodwill and understanding like these between the two nations
will work wonders and lay a strong foundation to bring in attitudinal
changes in the minds of the people which in turn, would help to solve
major irritating problems.
Though it is a positive move taken by our Judiciary, but it should
have been taken in past after considering the gravity of crime and his
health.
Do you call this justice?
God knows how many such cases are pending!
Very very little, Very very Late!
The report leaves several questions unanswered. Why did the trial take 18 years? Did the Supreme Court pass any strictures against the prosecuting authority? When a person is serving a jail term after a judgement is given, there is no question of 'bail.' So, does it mean that the case has not yet been concluded?
it is a honest and positive move by supreme court to repriev dr
chisty..i whole heartedly support it... it adds a positive flavour to
bilateral relationship between india and pakistan...
The Supreme Court Judges who granted bail to the ailing senior citizen Dr,Chisty of Pakistan have made India proud,and Indians can proud of their nation's Judicial system.Such humanitarian gestures should continue in both Pakistan and India,so that one day peace is restored between the arch rivals.
This is a welcome move on part of supreme court. I hope this judgement
will eventually help Dr.Chisty to go back to his nation. Both nations
should speed up the process of prisoner swapping. Humanity should not
become prisoner of pseudo nationalism.
Better late than never. Hope Dr.Chisty will be sent home soon at least in his last days.
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