The Rouse Avenue Court on Thursday directed jail authorities to submit a detailed report on the safety and security measures in place for Christian Michel James, who recently raised concerns about an alleged attempt on his life.
The court also issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate regarding the matter.
Allegations Of An Attempted Poisoning
During the hearing, James claimed that there had been an attempt to kill him by poisoning. He stated, “ED has been saying that I am not in danger. I want to put on record that I drank some of the poison they gave me in 2019, which I threw away.”
In light of these serious allegations, the court has ordered the Director General (DG) of Prisons to submit a status report detailing the steps taken in response to James’s complaint. Special Judge Sanjeev Aggarwal noted that although James had filed a complaint earlier, no action had been taken so far.
Court Orders For Personal Comfort & Medical Follow-Up
James also filed an application seeking permission to wear shoes and pyjamas in jail, stating that he had not been allowed to wear shoes recently. The court directed the jail authorities to make a decision based on existing rules.
Additionally, the court ordered that James be taken to AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) for a follow-up concerning his previous surgery, scheduled for April 7. He also informed the court that he was experiencing leg pain and would require orthopedic consultation on Monday, April 7.
Allegations Of Drug Access
James brought up concerns about another inmate, Shahnawaz, alleging that he had regular access to hashish (cannabis), which James claimed was used nightly. He pointed out that while he was housed in a high-security cell in Jail Number 1, Shahnawaz was kept in Jail Number 6, raising questions about security protocols.
The court took note of these allegations and directed an investigation into the security arrangements and drug access within the prison.
During the hearing, Advocate Aljo K. Joseph highlighted that the extradition treaty between India and the UK has not yet been made into law, noting that “treaties are on a different footing.”
The court also reminded James that he is facing charges under Section 467 of the IPC, which carries a life imprisonment penalty.
The court has scheduled a follow-up hearing to review the status report from the DG of Prisons and the outcomes of James’s medical consultation. It also instructed that a copy of the order be sent to the DG of Prisons to ensure compliance with the directives.
Read More: Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, States High Court, International
