Karnataka high court considers HIV as factor for granting bail to murder accused
Despite stating that she was HIV positive, the sessions court rejected the Bengaluru woman’s bail petition, on December 31, 2018. It was then that she moved the high court.
Bengaluru: The Karnataka high court granted bail to a 48-year-old HIV affected woman who was accused of abetting her daughter-in-law’s suicide. The HIV affected status of the petitioner became one of the factors when it came to the decision of whether the accused could be granted bail or not.
It was while granting bail to the woman, accused in a dowry death case, that the Karnataka high court made the observation that the HIV status should be considered as one of the factors while determining bail.
Despite stating that she was HIV positive, the sessions court rejected the Bengaluru woman’s bail petition, on December 31, 2018. It was then that she moved the high court.
The petitioner is accused of burning a portion of the saree that was used by her daughter-in-law while committing “suicide”.
Justice Sunil Dutt Yadav while granting bail to the woman reportedly said that the allegations against her have to be proved in the trial. She has also been directed to execute a personal bond for Rs 1 lakh with a surety for the same amount. She has been instructed not to tamper with evidence or try to influence witnesses.
The petitioner was arrested on September 25, 2018 after her daughter-in-law allegedly committed suicide. A police complaint was lodged by the family members of the daughter-in-law.
The complaint was filed after the doctors informed the family that the victim died of strangulation.
The petitioner’s son’s wedding took place on February 19, 2017. Reports said that there was demand for cash and gold ornaments at the time of the wedding. The demand was met by the daughter-in-law’s family.