Satpal Gulia v. The State Of Delhi
$~1 * IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI + BAIL APPLN. 1704/2026 SATPAL GULIA .....Petitioner Through:
Mr. Mahavir Sharma, Mr. Arpit Bhalla and Mr. Shagun Sharma, Advocates versus THE STATE OF DELHI .....Respondent Through:
Mr. Sunil Kumar Gautam, APP for State with WSI Meena, PS Nihal Vihar
CORAM:
HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE MANOJ JAIN
O R D E R
% 13.05.2026 1.
Applicant seeks interim bail on health grounds. 2.
He has been arrested in case FIR No.168/2026 dated 10.03.2026 registered at P.S. Nihal Vihar for commission of offence under Section 137(2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 (corresponding Section 363 IPC). 3.
The aforesaid case relates to human-trafficking racket for sexual exploitation of minor girls and the main perpetrator of the racket in question is one Neetu who is already in custody.
4.
As far as role of the applicant is concerned, as per prosecution, he had made available his premises i.e. 487/12, Peeragarhi Chowk, Peeragarhi, Delhi-87 for the aforesaid purpose. The aforesaid premises were being used for sexual exploitation, on hourly basis.
BAIL APPLN. 1704/2026 1 The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above.
5.
The applicant was accordingly arrested and is in custody since 17.03.2026.
6.
Applicant is 78 years of age and has, reportedly, suffered two heartattacks for which he also underwent stenting at Balaji Action Medical Hospital in the year 2024. He also underwent open-heart-surgery and knee-replacement.
7.
Citing his poor medical condition and old age, he prayed for interim bail so that he could take specialized treatment outside jail. However, his such application was rejected by the learned Trial Court, primarily, because of the gravity of the allegations.
8.
Learned Sessions Court, while being mindful of his medical condition, declined him bail claiming that his release may create risk of interference with the investigation and endanger the safety and well-being of the victims who have come forward so far.
9.
No doubt, the allegations are serious in nature but at the same time, the medical condition of any undertrial prisoner cannot be sidelined or disregarded.
10.
During course of the arguments, when asked, learned Addl. P.P. for State, submitted that premises in question is duly registered for Bed and Breakfast (BNB) Establishment and certificate in this regard has been issued in favour of the applicant by the Competent Authority on 27.06.2023 and such registration is valid for three years. He also submits status report, which is taken on record. When the aforesaid certificate was given, verification report about the antecedent of the applicant was sought and the certificate, itself, indicates that there is no criminal record against applicant or his family. BAIL APPLN. 1704/2026 2 The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above.
11.
Keeping in mind the age of the applicant and his alleged poor medical condition, report was sought from Central Jail Hospital and the report indicates that he is not keeping up very-well though fact remains that he is receiving treatment at the Jail Dispensary. Relevant paragraph of such report about his medical condition reads as under:- "At present inmate patient is kept admitted at MI room CJ-04 Dispensary treatment and receiving through jail dispensary primarily for his cardiac issues and reported few times in recent past in emergency with cardiac symptoms for which he is being referred to outside OPDs/emergency from time to time and all necessary medical support is being provided but not reportedly having expected symptomatic control.
It is further submitted that considering his presenting symptomatology vis-a-vis his past medical history he requires urgent and continued Cardiology/Neurology follow-up which is not available inside jail. It is further informed that his name is being forwarding to be included in seriously sick inmate patient category after the diligence by concerned committee at CJH."
12.
Nominal Roll of the applicant indicates his age to be 78 years and his overall jail conduct is found to be satisfactory. 13.
Learned counsel for applicant submits that as per affidavit placed on record by the pairokar/son of the applicant, there is one more case against applicant i.e. FIR No. 198/2024 registered at Police Station Raj Park and therein also, there are similar allegations against him. However, he has been charge-sheeted, without being arrested in the aforesaid case. 14.
Applicant was earlier taking treatment from Max Healthcare, Noida and it is informed that he would take further treatment from the aforesaid hospital only.
15.
Keeping in mind the overall facts of the case, the applicant is, hereby, directed to be released on interim bail for a period of four weeks, to be reckoned from the date of his release from jail, on his furnishing personal BAIL APPLN. 1704/2026 3 The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above.
bond in a sum of Rs. 25,000/- with one 'local' surety of like amount, subject to the satisfaction of learned Trial Court/CMM/Duty Magistrate with the following conditions:- (i) The applicant shall not leave the National Capital Region of Delhi, without prior permission of learned Trial Court. (ii) The applicant shall not try to contact and influence any witness, directly or indirectly.
(iii) He shall provide one Mobile Number to the concerned investigating officer and shall ensure that his such Mobile Number remains active and operational during the period of interim bail. 16.
The application stands allowed and disposed of in the aforesaid terms. 17.
A copy of this order be sent to the concerned Court and also to the Jail Superintendent for necessary information and compliance. MANOJ JAIN, J MAY 13, 2026/dr/sa BAIL APPLN. 1704/2026 4 The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above.