look news india
Mumbai: The High Court has granted bail to a 35-year-old man suffering from schizophrenia, convicted in a murder case, noting that mental illness in India is not discussed openly or due to fear of social ostracism or discrimination. The reason is that it is not kept hidden. The court stayed his life sentence until the final hearing of his appeal against his sentence.
The court has given relief to a 35-year-old man named Pradeep Kumar Murugan. He was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2015 in the parricide case. Appealed against this in the High Court and demanded to be released on bail till the decision comes. The court granted bail after his sister assured to take care of Pradeep once he gets bail.
At the time of the incident, Pradeep was mentally ill and was undergoing treatment. He was diagnosed with a disease called schizophrenia. His medical examination report was also presented in the court and his illness was mentioned in it. The court took cognizance of the report.
During the hearing, the court was informed about Pradeep’s location. The testimony of a psychiatrist was also recorded. The history of his illness was also told. Suicidal thoughts and changes in behavior due to exclusion were also reported. The sister also testified. However, the Sessions Court rejected the claim of mental illness.
The High Court considered the decision of the Sessions Court. The trial court granted bail to the accused saying it had failed to consider prima facie evidence of mental state.