New Delhi: After asking bail applicants to register as Covid-19 warriors and plant trees, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has now directed two applicants to install a “black coloured LED TV”, manufactured anywhere but in China, at a local district hospital for bail.
The orders passed by Justice Sheel Nagu, directed the petitioners “to purchase and install a black coloured LED T.V. at Renbasera, District Hospital Morar worth at least Rs.25,000/- manufactured in India or abroad except China”.
The court was hearing two separate bail applications filed by two accused, involved in the same case.
The duo — Arvind Patel and Kamlesh — were arrested on 18 February in an attempt to murder case. They were accused of using “abusive words” and firing at the victim, injuring him.
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LED TV to be installed in guesthouse of local hospital
In its response, the court noted that the chargesheet in the case had been filed last month and therefore, they were not needed for custodial interrogation anymore. It also pointed out that they don’t have any criminal antecedents.
Therefore, Justice Nagu granted them bail on a personal bond of Rs 25,000.
The court observed, “In view of above and looking to the special circumstances of ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and that early conclusion of the trial is bleak possibility and prolonged pre-trial detention is anathema to the concept of liberty and the material placed on record does not disclose possibility of the petitioner fleeing from justice, this Court is inclined to extend the benefit of bail to the petitioner.”
It, however, directed them to purchase and install a TV at the district hospital’s renbasera (guest house).
The court asked a compliance report to be filed, with photographs, to the Registry.
Earlier last month, Justice Nagu had issued several orders directing accused persons to register themselves as ‘Covid-19 warriors’ with district magistrates, as a bail condition.
The court had then asserted it is their fundamental duty to “defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so”.
It asked them to register as volunteers with authorities “so that the human resource in the shape of the appellants can be utilised for the betterment of the society and to ward off the crisis”.
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