Gujarat High Court Orders Temporary Release for Inmate to Perform Pet Dog's Last Rites
In a compassionate ruling that underscores the significance of human-animal bonds, the Gujarat High Court has granted temporary release to a man from Lajpore Central Jail in Surat. The court allowed him a few hours under police escort to perform the last rites of his pet dog, which had been his loyal companion for 14 years.
Background of the Case and Legal Proceedings
The man was placed in judicial custody following allegations from his estranged wife, who accused him of defrauding her of more than Rs 17 lakh. According to the complaint, he allegedly withdrew the proceeds of her life insurance policy using forged signatures. The couple has been living separately for over three years after the wife left their home, citing harassment.
She filed a formal complaint at the Athwalines police station in February, leading to her husband's arrest and subsequent remand to judicial custody by a Surat court. The accused had previously submitted a regular bail application before the High Court on March 10.
Urgent Plea and Humanitarian Considerations
On Friday, however, his legal team approached Justice Utkarsh Desai with an urgent plea seeking his temporary release. The request was based on the grounds that his dog had passed away, and he wished to conduct its last rites. The lawyers emphasized the deep emotional attachment the man had to his pet, highlighting their 14-year bond as a compelling humanitarian reason for the temporary release.
After hearing the submission, Justice Desai issued an order stating: "The applicant is hereby directed to be taken to his house at Surat today (March 13) with police custody immediately upon receipt of this order till 8pm." To ensure prompt action, the court transmitted the order via email to the Surat court, the relevant police station, and Lajpore Central Jail.
Specific Conditions Attached to the Release
The court imposed several conditions to regulate the temporary release:
- The police personnel accompanying the man to his residence were directed to be in civil clothes to maintain discretion.
- The expenditure for the police escort was ordered to be covered by the state government.
- The accused was to be returned to the jail promptly after completing the last rites of his pet dog.
This ruling not only addresses the immediate need for the last rites but also reflects the judiciary's recognition of the profound emotional connections people share with their pets, even in challenging legal circumstances.
