The Delhi High Court on Tuesday (August 19) directed Tihar jail authorities to consider a writ petition filed by alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar as a representation and make a decision.
Chandrasekhar is seeking additional opportunities to meet with his lawyers while in custody.
Justice Amit Mahajan was hearing the matter.
It is to be noted that previosuly, Justice Subramonium Prasad had recused himself from hearing the case.
Chandrasekhar’s plea requested permission to increase his meetings with his lawyers to five times a week, an additional three meetings beyond the two currently allowed per week.
Representing Chandrasekhar, Advocate Anant Malik stated that the petitioner, an undertrial prisoner involved in numerous cases across different jurisdictions, finds the current allowance of virtual meetings insufficient. Given the complexity and breadth of his legal issues, including high-profile corruption and extortion cases, Chandrasekhar argues that more frequent consultations with his lawyers are crucial for effectively managing his defense.
Furthermore, the plea highlights Chandrasekhar’s personal difficulties, including isolation from his family due to distance and the incarceration of his spouse. This situation increases his distress, underscoring the need for regular and meaningful interactions with his legal counsel. The petition also claims that the current restrictions on legal consultations violate Chandrasekhar’s fundamental rights under Article 22(1) of the Constitution of India, which guarantees the right to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner of one’s choice.
In order to support his request, Chandrasekhar’s petition references recent judicial precedents, including the Delhi High Court’s decision in Arvind Kejriwal vs. Department of Delhi Prisons. In that case, the court granted the accused five weekly meetings with their counsel, reinforcing the argument that similar allowances should be made for Chandrasekhar to ensure adequate legal representation.
