Delhi High Court Orders Timely Medical Care for Praveen Dabas in Sagar Dhankhar Murder Case
New Delhi, June 4: The Delhi High Court has issued firm directions to Tihar Jail authorities to provide consistent and timely medical treatment to Praveen Dabas, one of the accused in the high-profile 2021 Sagar Dhankhar murder case. Dabas is currently lodged in Central Jail-10, where he has been seeking medical attention for his ongoing health problems.
The case, which also includes Olympic wrestler Sushil Kumar among the accused, has remained under public scrutiny since the fatal incident involving wrestler Sagar Dhankhar.
After reviewing a medical report dated May 31, the court instructed jail officials to ensure that Dabas receives necessary healthcare, including advanced diagnostic services like MRI scans. The court emphasized that medical care should not be delayed or denied due to administrative issues.
Dabas had previously requested interim bail for a period of eight weeks to undergo treatment at a private medical facility. However, rather than granting bail immediately, the court chose to keep the plea pending. This step was taken to monitor the quality of medical care provided within the jail and to ensure that authorities fulfill their obligations.
Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, presiding over the matter, noted that in the specific circumstances of this case, it was more suitable to await a new medical status report. He instructed the Jail Superintendent to file the report only after all recommended medical directions had been implemented.
Furthermore, the court directed the Jail Superintendent and the Medical Superintendent of Central Jail-10 to coordinate with the jail hospital staff. They have been tasked with guaranteeing round-the-clock medical care to Dabas, whenever required.
The court’s order underlines the judiciary’s concern for the health rights of undertrial prisoners, especially in cases involving serious medical conditions. The next hearing will assess whether the jail complies fully with the directives, following which the court will decide on the interim bail plea.
