Delhi court denies wrestler Sushil Kumar's request for special food, supplements in jail, says all equal before law

New Delhi: Noting that everyone is equal in the eyes of law, a Delhi court on Wednesday dismissed an application filed by Olympic medallist wrestler Sushil Kumar, an accused in a murder case, seeking special food and supplements in the prison.

Kumar had approached the Rohini court with the demand claiming that they are extremely necessary for him to maintain his health and performance as he wishes to continue his career in wrestling.

He sought supplements like isolate whey protein, omega 3 capsules, jointment capsules, pre-workout C4 and hyde, multivitamin GNC and exercise bands in the prison to maintain his physique and physical strength.

Junking his plea, Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Satvir Singh Lamba said that special foods and supplements appear to be only the desires and wishes of the accused and are not in any manner the essential need or necessity.

It is well settled law that all the persons, whether natural or juristic are equal in eyes of law irrespective of caste, religion, sex, class. It also implies absence of any special privilege in any person due to his rank, status, whether rich or poor, he stated in the order.

It was further noted that the basic needs and necessities of the accused are being taken care of in the jail as per the provisions of Delhi Prisons Rule, 2018 and that balance and healthy diet is being provided to him without any discrimination.

The Chief Metropolitan Magistrate said that Sushil neither disclosed the details of any upcoming competition for which he has qualified to participate in nor has he mentioned the name of any competition in which he will be participating in the near future.

Alluding to the medical report of the accused, the judge noted that he is not suffering from any disease for which he would require food supplements and a special diet.

During the course of proceedings on Sushil's plea, Additional Public Prosecutor Sharwan Kumar Bishnoi, appearing for Delhi Police, told the court that the desire of the accused for special food was tantamount to discrimination among the prisoners lodged in the prison.

The prosecutor further said that the requirement of a prisoner shall not be decided on his previous lifestyle and that allowing such applications may invite a flood of applications from many more prisoners who can afford such types of diets.

Sushil's counsel advocate Pradeep Rana told the court that his client was entitled to supplement diet as he is an "unconvicted criminal prisoner" and has sought it at personal expense.

Advocate Nitin Vashisht, representing alleged victim and complainant Sonu Mahal, said that the application should have been dismissed with a cost as any such special treatment leads to VIP culture in prisons.

The wrestler is currently lodged in Delhi's Mandoli Jail in connection with the alleged murder of Sagar Dhankar at Chhatrasal Stadium over a property dispute.

Police has called Sushil the main culprit and mastermind of the murder and said that there is electronic evidence wherein he and his associates could be seen beating Dhankar.

The Delhi Police has lodged an FIR in the case for murder, criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, culpable homicide among various other sections under the Indian Penal Code. Crime Branch is investigating the case.