Delhi’s Patiala House Court has directed the jail authorities to provide an air cooler to Sukesh Chandrasekar at his own expense on medical grounds.
Chandrasekhar, currently in judicial custody for his alleged involvement in a Rs 200 crore extortion case, sought relief citing skin problems exacerbated by high temperatures.
Considering the submissions and the fact that the centralised air conditioning system at Mandoli jail is currently non-functional, Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Chanderjit Singh issued the directive. The court took note of the jail authorities’ report stating that Chandrasekhar had been advised to maintain an optimal temperature for recovery and to prevent further skin issues.
“Therefore, it is directed that jail authorities shall take all measures to maintain the optimum room temperature in the cell where accused/applicant Sukesh Chandrashekhar is lodged and if necessary, to achieve this optimum temperature, provide a private cooler to the applicant/accused at his own expense,” ASJ Singh ordered on June 3.
The court acknowledged the unprecedented heat wave in Delhi, stating, “At the time of framing the Delhi Prison Rules 2018, such a circumstance may not have been contemplated to emerge in the future.” It emphasized that the health concerns of Sukesh Chandrashekhar must be interpreted in light of the general principle that careful attention should be given not only to the treatment of sick individuals but also to matters affecting the health of prisoners.
Advocate Anant Malik, representing the accused, argued that the central cooling system in Chandrasekhar’s cell was deliberately turned off. However, it was reported that the entire centralised cooling system at Mandoli Jail is undergoing repairs, and the matter has been reported to the Public Works Department (PWD), with estimates provided.
The court noted that the Delhi Prison Rules 2018 do not specifically provide for private coolers for jail inmates, although they do allow for special dietary provisions and bed facilities for ill persons.
