Delhi’s Patiala House Court has mandated Tihar Jail authorities to furnish an air cooler to Sukesh Chandrasekhar, the accused in a ₹200 crore extortion case, citing medical grounds. Sukesh Chandrasekhar, currently in judicial custody, sought relief due to skin ailments exacerbated by the intense heat.
In its directive, Additional Sessions Judge Chanderjit Singh acknowledged the malfunctioning of the central air conditioning system at Mandoli Jail and ordered the provision of a private cooler at Sukesh Chandrasekhar’s own expense. The court underscored the importance of maintaining optimal room temperature for his recovery and health.
“The scorching heat in Delhi is unprecedented,” remarked the court, highlighting the unforeseen challenges posed by extreme weather conditions that were not accounted for when formulating the Delhi Prison Rules 2018.
Advocate Anant Malik, representing Sukesh Chandrasekhar, argued that deliberate shutdown of the central cooling system had worsened his client’s health conditions. Despite the reported repair efforts by the Public Works Department (PWD), no alternative cooling arrangements were made available by the jail authorities.
The court’s decision emphasizes not only the need for medical attention to inmates but also the obligation to address environmental factors affecting prisoners’ health.
The next steps in compliance with the court’s order are awaited, with implications for the management of medical care and facilities within the prison system.
