The Supreme Court on Tuesday denied a writ petition filed by alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar and wife Leena Paulose seeking an extension in the visitation time given by jail authorities to meet family, friends, and legal representatives.
A Bench comprised of Justice Ajay Rastogi and Justice Bela M Trivedi dismissed the petition, noting that the accused persons were not in a position to seek such “privileges” and make such an “extraordinary demands.”
The Counsel appearing on behalf of the two accused persons informed the Bench that his clients are allowed to see and communicate with family members, relatives, friends, and legal advisors as per the prison rules. However, he said that they are only permitted to use the facility for 30 minutes twice a week. He requested an extension of the time limit, claiming his difficulty.
He claimed that there are 28 cases pending against the accused around the country, with more than ten lawyers involved, and that the visitation time given by the jail rules is insufficient. It was asserted that this violates the right to legal representation guaranteed by Article 22(1) of the Indian Constitution.
The Bench rejected the contention that accused persons can make such exceptional demands.
“Give a list of the lawyers. We will ask the jail officials detain them in the prison itself. Instead of meeting him every day, let the lawyers stay with him inside,” An enraged Justice Rastogi told the Counsel.
The apex court had ordered to transfer Sukesh and his wife Leena Paulose to Mandoli Jail from Tihar Jail last year, after they complained of harassment and intimidation from Tihar jail officials.
However, the Court denied his request to be transferred to a jail outside of the Delhi-NCR. Later that year, in October, the Court dismissed another petition he filed seeking transfer from Mandoli to a jail outside the Delhi-NCR.
