No exception for pregnant inmates: Police

SAFOORA’S BAIL PLEA

THE POLICE TOLD THE COURT THAT SAFOORA ZARGAR IS NOT ENTITLED TO BAIL ON THE GROUNDS OF PREGNANCY AS THE LAW DOESN’T MAKE ANY DISTINCTION

The Delhi Police on Monday asked the Delhi high court for a day to “seek instructions” on a bail plea by Jamia student Safoora Zargar, charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for her alleged role in the northeast Delhi riots.

Justice Rajiv Shakdher, hearing the case through a video conference, allowed this after Zargar’s counsel said she has no objection to it.

Before this, the police claimed in the Delhi high court on Monday that Zargar is not entitled to bail on the grounds of pregnancy as the law does not make any distinction in this regard.

“...there is no exception carved out for pregnant inmate, who is accused of such heinous crime, to be released on bail merely because of their pregnancy. The law provides for adequate safeguards and medical attention during their custody in jail,” police said.

Zargar, an Mphil student of Jamia Millia Islamia, approached the court seeking bail on the ground that she is pregnant and has medical complications. In the course of the hearing, the police claimed that Zargar was one of the main conspirators in the commission of the serious offence of causing large-scale disruption and riots, not only in Delhi but also in other parts of the country.

“The severity of the offence is in no manner mitigated by the factum of pregnancy….,” it added.

Zargar was arrested on April 10 for allegedly conspiring with others to instigate and start riots in northeast Delhi.

At least 53 people died and 400 others were injured in the riots in February.