Delhi Sessions Court: Aaftab Poonawala Tihar Threats Summons

• A Delhi Sessions Court has summoned the Tihar Jail Superintendent to appear on November 6.
• The summons follows undertrial Aaftab Amin Poonawala's complaint of continued threats from fellow inmates.
• The court seeks a compliance report on its November 2 order, which directed immediate measures for Poonawala's safety.
• Additional Sessions Judge Hargurvarinder Singh Jaggi issued the order on November 4, 2026.
• Poonawala is the accused in the 2022 Shraddha Walkar murder case.

The court's firm stance serves as a significant reminder of the state's obligation to protect those in its custody, reinforcing confidence in the judicial system's oversight of correctional facilities.

A Delhi Sessions Court has issued a summons to the Superintendent of Tihar Jail, demanding a compliance report regarding the safety of undertrial prisoner Aaftab Amin Poonawala. This directive, issued on November 4, 2026, by Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Hargurvarinder Singh Jaggi of Saket Court, mandates the Superintendent's personal appearance on November 6. The court's action stems from Poonawala's continued complaints that he faces threats from fellow inmates, despite a previous judicial order aimed at ensuring his protection within the correctional facility.

Poonawala's legal counsel, Advocate Akshay Bhandari, informed the court that the earlier November 2 order, which specifically instructed jail authorities to implement immediate safety measures, had not been acted upon. This non-compliance prompted the court to require the Tihar Superintendent to present a detailed report explaining the steps taken to safeguard Poonawala. The accused, who is facing trial in the high-profile 2022 Shraddha Walkar murder case, is also scheduled to appear before the court via video conferencing on November 6.

The court's November 2 directive was a direct response to serious allegations made by Aaftab Poonawala concerning his safety inside Jail No. 4A of Tihar Jail, a facility that includes a special cell and a punishment ward. Poonawala had claimed that for approximately ten days, certain inmates had repeatedly threatened to inflict bodily harm, including slashing his face with improvised weapons. Recognizing the urgency of these concerns, the court emphasized that the safety of an undertrial prisoner is paramount and constitutes a fundamental aspect of the State's duty to ensure a fair trial.

In its earlier order, the court had explicitly instructed jail authorities to take prompt and effective measures to secure Poonawala. It further suggested that, if necessary, he could be housed in a separate ward or cell, away from any potentially dangerous inmates. The jail superintendent was also tasked with submitting an action-taken report to the court, a requirement that appears to have been unmet, leading to the subsequent summons. This underscores the judiciary's commitment to upholding undertrial prisoner safety in India.

Aaftab Amin Poonawala stands accused of the 2022 murder of his live-in partner, Shraddha Walkar. The prosecution alleges that he dismembered her body into multiple pieces and systematically disposed of them across various locations in Delhi over several days. Poonawala was arrested on November 12, 2022, and charges for murder and destruction of evidence were formally framed against him in May 2023. He has pleaded not guilty to these charges and has opted for a trial, with the prosecution having listed over 220 witnesses to present its case.

The November 4, 2026, order to summon the Tihar Superintendent was issued while the court was in the process of recording prosecution evidence in the Shraddha Walkar murder case. In addition to addressing the safety concerns, the court also directed both the prosecution and the defense teams to prepare for the examination of at least two witnesses starting from November 17. This ongoing legal proceeding has previously seen a scheduled trial hearing on July 20 cancelled after Poonawala requested an exemption from physical appearance to sit for university examinations within the prison on July 8.

The Delhi Sessions Court's decisive action in summoning the Tihar Superintendent highlights the judiciary's active role in ensuring accountability within custodial institutions. By demanding a compliance report and the personal appearance of the jail's highest authority, the court reinforces the principle that directives concerning undertrial prisoner safety are not merely advisory but legally binding. This development underscores the critical importance of adhering to judicial orders, particularly when they pertain to the fundamental rights and well-being of individuals awaiting trial. The court's firm stance serves as a significant reminder of the state's obligation to protect those in its custody, reinforcing confidence in the judicial system's oversight of correctional facilities.

This development underscores the judiciary's active role in upholding the safety and rights of undertrial prisoners, even in high-profile cases. Lawyers representing clients in custody should note the court's willingness to directly summon jail authorities for non-compliance with safety directives, providing a precedent for advocating for immediate action when prisoner safety is compromised.

Source: Original reporting via news updates.