In a recent ruling, the Delhi High Court has declined the plea of alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekar, who is embroiled in multiple criminal proceedings, against his transfer from Mandoli jail to another prison. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna dismissed the petition on grounds that the medical treatment Chandrashekar is receiving can be continued seamlessly at other facilities.
Chandrashekar, who has been implicated in a slew of cases including a notorious Rs 200 crore fraud involving the former Ranbaxy promoters Shivinder and Malvinder Singh, argued that his transfer would impede his ongoing medical treatment for various ailments. He claimed to have suffered from gall bladder stones since 2020 and required frequent hospital visits to Safdarjung and RML hospitals.
However, the court noted that his treatments for both physical and psychological conditions could be equally managed at other penal institutions. The judgment stated, “This court does not find any necessity for issuing directions for not transferring the petitioner to other jails, if so necessitated for administrative reasons.” It also mandated a three-day prior notice before any transfer is executed.
The high court acknowledged that while Chandrashekar’s medical needs are genuine, with treatments extending to psychiatric care, similar facilities are available at Tihar Jail, thus nullifying the need for any special arrangements at Mandoli Jail alone. The ruling underscores the judiciary’s stance that administrative decisions of jail transfers should not be hindered unless there is evidence of malpractice or ill intent by prison authorities.
Chandrashekar’s legal troubles extend beyond financial deceit. Alongside his wife Leena Paulose, he faces accusations in a money laundering case spearheaded by the Enforcement Directorate and is also a key figure in an Election Commission bribery case involving AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran among others.
