An American mercenary, currently lodged in Delhi's Tihar Jail in connection with a terror case, has approached a local court with a unique request: he wants an American diet, claiming the Indian food served in the prison is too spicy for his palate. The accused, identified as [Name not disclosed], was arrested last year on charges of involvement in terrorist activities and has been in judicial custody since.
Petition Filed in Delhi Court
The mercenary filed a petition through his legal counsel before the court of Additional Sessions Judge [Name], arguing that the spicy Indian meals provided in Tihar Jail are causing him health issues, including acidity and indigestion. He requested the court to direct the jail authorities to provide him with a diet similar to what he consumed in the United States, such as bland foods, sandwiches, and salads. The petition also highlighted that he has lost weight due to his inability to eat the jail food.
According to sources, the court has sought a response from the Tihar Jail administration regarding the feasibility of providing a separate diet. The matter is scheduled for further hearing next week. The jail authorities are expected to submit a report on the prisoner's health condition and the availability of alternative food options within the prison system.
Terror Case Background
The American national was arrested by the Delhi Police's Special Cell in [Month, Year] on charges of conspiring to carry out terrorist acts in India. He was allegedly in contact with a banned terrorist organization and had received training in explosives and weapons handling. The case is being investigated under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
During the initial hearings, the prosecution opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the charges and the accused's potential to flee the country. The court had remanded him to judicial custody, and he has been in Tihar Jail since then. His family in the US has been in touch with the Indian embassy, but they have not commented on the diet issue.
Prison Diet Policies in India
Tihar Jail, one of the largest prison complexes in India, provides standard meals to inmates, which include rice, roti, dal, and vegetables, often seasoned with spices. Special dietary requests are considered on medical grounds, but prisoners generally receive the same food as others. In the past, foreign nationals have occasionally been accommodated with less spicy food, but there is no formal policy for non-Indian diets.
According to a former Tihar Jail official, "Prisoners with specific medical conditions or dietary restrictions are given special meals after a doctor's recommendation. However, a preference for bland food due to personal taste is not typically considered a valid reason." The jail manual allows for adjustments only if there is a medical necessity certified by the prison doctor.
Legal Experts Weigh In
Legal experts say that while prisoners have the right to adequate food, the court is unlikely to grant a diet based solely on taste preferences. "The right to food under Article 21 of the Constitution ensures that prisoners are not subjected to cruel treatment, but it does not extend to providing food according to individual culinary preferences," said Supreme Court advocate [Name]. "The court will likely consider if the food is causing genuine health issues, which would require medical evidence."
In a similar case in 2023, a foreign national in a Mumbai jail had requested non-spicy food, but the court dismissed the plea, stating that the prison was not a hotel and the food provided was nutritionally adequate. The current case may set a precedent if the court orders a change in diet for the American mercenary.
The next hearing is expected to see arguments from both sides, with the jail authorities likely to present their stance on the matter. Until then, the accused will continue to receive the standard Tihar Jail meals.
