Ahmedabad Man Flees Courtroom After Sentencing in Maintenance Case
In a startling incident in Ahmedabad, a 34-year-old man managed to escape from judicial custody directly within a courtroom in the Bhadra area. The event unfolded on February 18, with an FIR subsequently registered by the Karanj police on Tuesday, detailing the audacious escape.
Background of the Case
The accused was involved in a maintenance recovery matter brought before the family court. He had been facing legal action for defaulting on payments to his wife, with the court having previously issued notices and a recovery warrant due to his failure to comply. Despite these measures, no payment was reported, leading to escalated judicial proceedings.
Court Hearing and Sentencing
During the hearing on February 18, the presiding judge interrogated the man regarding the non-payment of Rs 1.12 lakh in outstanding maintenance. This amount was calculated at a rate of Rs 7,000 per month, covering a period of 16 months from January 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025. The accused allegedly expressed a clear unwillingness to deposit the required sum.
In response, the court imposed a sentence of simple imprisonment for 180 days, adhering to the statutory limit of 12 months for such defaults. He was immediately taken into judicial custody and instructed to remain seated in the courtroom while jail warrant formalities were being processed. Court officials explicitly warned him not to leave the premises under any circumstances.
The Escape Incident
However, during a recess around 2 PM, the man allegedly slipped out of the courtroom unnoticed. Despite efforts by court staff and on-duty personnel, he could not be traced, sparking a search operation. The escape highlights potential lapses in security protocols within the court premises.
Legal Ramifications
Following the escape, the court authorized the registration of an FIR under Section 262 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to escape from lawful custody. This legal action underscores the seriousness of the offense and the intent to pursue the fugitive rigorously.
Key Points to Note:
- The escape occurred in Bhadra, Ahmedabad, from Court No. 3 at the sessions court.
- The man was in custody for defaulting on maintenance payments totaling Rs 1.12 lakh over 16 months.
- He was sentenced to 180 days of simple imprisonment just before the escape.
- An FIR has been filed under BNS Section 262, emphasizing the legal consequences of such actions.
This incident raises concerns about courtroom security and the enforcement of maintenance laws, particularly in family dispute cases. Authorities are now focused on apprehending the escaped individual to ensure justice is served.
