Conditional bail for mentally challenged woman in Ahmedabad

Justice AL Dave of the Gujarat high court on Thursday granted anticipatory bail to a 25-year-old woman allegedly involved in the murder of her sister-in-law.

The court, however, also imposed certain conditions on her, requiring her to be present in court for interrogation. The case in question deals with the murder of a woman allegedly set ablaze and charred to death by her husband and mother-in-law, in Rajkot.

The deceased was the sister-in-law of this mentally challenged woman, who was present at the place of the murder.

However, no role was attributed to her in the FIR, apart from the fact that she was present at the spot.

The mentally challenged woman applied for anticipatory bail along with her mother Roshan, in the alleged offence. Considering Roshan's involvement, she withdrew her application, but the court gave her respite when she produced a certificate saying she is 50% mentally challenged.

Justice Dave noted, "The woman is 50% mentally unwell, and no role has been attributed to her in the FIR", adding, "In the event of her arrest, she shall be released on bail in respect of the offences alleged against her in the FIR, on her executing a bond of Rs5000."

However, the court also said the girl cannot take undue advantage of her liberty or abuse it. She has been asked to remain present before the trial court and be available for interrogation, as and when required.

"She will not make any direct or indirect inducement or threat, nor obstruct police investigations," the court has said in its order.