Delhi HC grants bail to 1984 anti-Sikh riots case convict

The Delhi High Court on Friday granted bail on medical grounds to an 89-year-old convict serving life term in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

A vacation bench of Justices Manmohan and Yogesh Khanna released retired naval officer Captain Bhagmal on bail till July four on the ground that he has to undergo a surgery.

The court granted him the relief till July four instead of three months sought by the convict, so that the bench which is hearing the antiSikh riots cases can take a final decision on his plea.

“A prayer is made for suspension of sentence for three months. In view of the circumstances placed before us, the sentence of the appellant is suspended till July 4,” the bench said in its interim order. The convict is already on interim bail since March 24 on medical grounds. Bhagmal, through his counsel, had stated that he is suffering from enlarged prostrate for which he has to undergo surgery which would require stay in the hospital.

Taking note of his medical condition, the bench extended his bail on furnishing of a personal bond of Rs 25,000 with one surety of the like amount. It directed Bhagmal to give the address at which he would be available and the mobile number on which he can be contacted by the CBI during the interim suspension of his sentence.

The bench asked the convict not to get in touch with any witness or the legal heirs of the deceased.

“In case, there is a violation of this condition, it will be open to the CBI to move an application for recall of this order,” it said, adding that Bhagmal shall not leave the National Capital Territory of Delhi without its permission. –PTI