The counsel for gold medalist wrestler Sushil Kumar’s counsel Advocate Pradeep Rana averred that the accused has won many medals for the country. Hence, contended that the accused is innocent unless proven guilty before the court. He contended that the wrestler wishes to continue his career in wrestling and such false allegation must not affect his career in wrestling.
A court on Wednesday dismissed a plea by Olympic wrestler Sushil Kumar, who is currently accused in a murder case and is seeking permission for supply for special food and supplements in the custody. It was contended in the court that whether natural or juristic every person is equal in the eyes of law irrespective of their caste, race, religion, sex, etc. The right to equality is one of the basic features of the Constitution.
Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (Rohini court) Satvir Singh Lamba observed that all basic needs and necessities of the accused are taken care of as per the provision of Delhi Prisons Rule,2018 and request for special foods and supplements appears to be only the desire and wish of the accused and not in any manner the essential need of the accused.
The counsel for Sushil Kumar contended that the accused has won many medals for the country and is a national player who represents the country. He also said that the wrestler wishes to continue his career in wrestling and want that his career must not get affected because of such false allegation.
The counsel of the accused wanted a supply of special foods and supplements which contain protein, omega-3 capsules, jointment capsules, pre-workout C4, Hyde, Multivitamins, etc. for his future career in wrestling and survival. The additional public prosecutor and Jail superintendent (Tihar) argued against such a request and said it would be discrimination among prisoners. It was also contended that such an application may invite other applications from more prisoners who can afford such a diet at their own expense.
The Court observed that Mr. Rana (Kumar’s Counsel) for reasons best known to him relied upon few judgments with regards to Delhi Prison Rules, 1988 and Delhi Prison Act, 1894 which is repealed after Delhi Prison Rules, 2018 and Delhi Prison act, 2000 came into force repealing the old laws respectively.
It was finally observed that the accused want to pursue his career in wrestling but he has not disclosed any details of any upcoming competition in which he has been qualified to participate nor has mentioned the name of any competition in which he is participating in the near future.