Bombay High Court Emphasizes Rehabilitation for Liquor-Addicted Accused in Landmark Bail Case
Court Denies Bail, Orders Psychiatric Evaluation and Treatment for Accused, Highlights Societal Threats Posed by Addiction
In a significant ruling, the Bombay High Court's Aurangabad Bench, presided over by Justice Sanjay A. Deshmukh, has denied bail to Pramod Wamanrao Dhule, accused of murdering his wife under the influence of alcohol. The court ordered a psychiatric evaluation and rehabilitation for the accused, marking a pivotal moment in addressing addiction-related crimes.
The case, registered under Crime No. 216 of 2024 at Bhagya Nagar Police Station, Nanded, involved accusations against Dhule of severe domestic violence and murder fueled by alcohol addiction. The court's decision highlights the urgent need for societal change in addressing addiction as a mental illness, as defined under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.
Justice Deshmukh emphasized that addiction to substances like alcohol and drugs is recognized as a mental illness, which often leads to violent crimes. The court stressed the importance of psychiatric treatment and rehabilitation to prevent future crimes and protect society. It underscored the dangers of releasing such individuals on bail without adequate treatment, as they pose a continuous threat to their families and the broader community.
The judgment directs the Nanded District Jail Authority to conduct a psychiatric evaluation of Dhule and, if found mentally ill due to his addiction, mandate treatment in a rehabilitation center. This aligns with the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, which calls for comprehensive care for individuals with substance abuse issues.
The court also instructed the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority to initiate awareness programs about addiction rehabilitation, aiming to shift societal perceptions and foster empathy for those struggling with addiction.
This ruling sets a precedent for handling similar cases, urging authorities to ensure medical examinations and rehabilitation for accused individuals with addiction-related mental illnesses. It also calls for a coordinated effort from police, courts, and health departments to implement these measures, ultimately aiming to reduce crime and enhance societal safety.
Bottom Line:
Bail application under Section 483 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 - Applicant accused of murder under influence of liquor - Court emphasizes on mental illness due to addiction and need for psychiatric treatment and rehabilitation as per Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.
Statutory provision(s): Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 Section 483, Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 Section 2(1)(s)
