In a recent decision, the Bombay High Court has granted bail to Pradeepkumar Murugan, a 35-year-old man diagnosed with schizophrenia who was previously convicted of the murder of his father. The court’s ruling came after observing the prevalent stigma surrounding mental illness in India, which often results in under-reporting and misdiagnosis.
Pradeepkumar Murugan was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2015 for the murder of his father. However, during the appeal, the High Court noted significant lapses in how his mental health was addressed during the trial. Justices Bharati Dangre and Manjusha Deshpande remarked on the necessity of recognizing mental health as a crucial element of overall well-being, which helps individuals manage life’s stresses.
The court’s decision was heavily influenced by a recent mental health evaluation from Yerwada Central Prison in Pune, which confirmed Murugan’s schizophrenia diagnosis. The report highlighted his unstable mental and behavioral condition, necessitating ongoing psychiatric care and medication. Murugan has been staying in the prison’s psychiatry ward due to deteriorating psychotic symptoms.
During the proceedings, Murugan’s legal counsel, Satyavrat Joshi, argued that the trial judge overlooked substantial evidence of Murugan’s insanity under Section 84 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Testimonies from a psychiatrist and Murugan’s sister detailed his longstanding mental health issues, including depression, suicidal ideation, and withdrawal from social interactions.
His sister also testified about his history of erratic behavior, hearing voices, and suffering from paranoid delusions, which began around 2010. These issues contributed to significant marital problems and eventual divorce. Despite these clear signs of mental illness, the trial court had dismissed the insanity plea, an oversight the High Court criticized, noting that non-experts, including magistrates, often fail to recognize symptoms of schizophrenia.
Addressing public safety concerns with Murugan’s release, the court ordered his sister to provide a detailed affidavit outlining the measures she will take to ensure her brother’s continued treatment and the safety of their community. The justices emphasized, “Mental health matters, and it embraces healing. His release must not pose a danger to others.”
The court has suspended Murugan’s sentence and directed his release on a personal bond of Rs 25,000 pending the outcome of his appeal.
