Dr Chishty may return to Pakistan finally

 

The Supreme Court on Monday granted bail to the 80-year-old ailing Pakistani microbiologist Dr Mohammed Khaleel Chishty seving life term in Ajmer jail in connection with a 1992 murder case.

 

The court assured that it would take a sympathetic view to Chishty\\\’s desire to return to Pakistan and asked him to file a separate plea seeking permission to return to his home country.

 

The order came a day after Pakistani president Asif Ali Zardari visited India and discussed Chishty\\\’s prospects of release with Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh.

 

Dr Chishty was sentenced to life imprisonment in December, 2010 after spending 18 years in prison during the trial.

 

Chishty\\\’s family hailed the Supreme Court\\\’s verdict. His family members in Pakistan are now eagerly waiting for his arrival.

 

People\\\’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has also expressed joy over the bail granted to Dr Chishty.

 

 

The PUCL is extremely relieved that the SC decided to set free from the Prison 80 year old Dr. Khalil Chishty serving a life sentence in Ajmer Central Jail for a murder case. 

 

This is an extremely significant step but not sufficient as bail for Dr. Chishty as seen earlier when the trial was underway for 19 years, was like house arrest. he had to report regularly to the police and could not step out of his house and area. 

 

We hope that the next step of sending Dr. Chishty back home happens soon as it would be better for all that we send him back alive, when he can be with those who care for him and love.

 

The PUCL appreciates the wisdom of the Supreme Court for this judgement. 

 

While Judicial remedy would be pursued in the Supreme Court, we would like to remind all that the executive remedy as provided in the Indian Constitution of President and the Governot of a State granting Mercy to an individual at any stage of the judicial process, was stalled by the Governor of Rajasthan, who despite being recommended twice by the Chief Minister of Rajasthan that Dr. Chishty be pardoned, the Governor only let the file gather dust. 

 

We take this opportunity in the interest of justice as well as strengthening further the relationships between the two countries and urge the Governor Sh. Shivraj Patil to sign the Mercy PEtition 

 

Similarly the PUCL is committed to ensure the release of Sarabjeet who has been put on a death row and behind bars since 22 years in an alleged terror case. We urge the President of Pakistan to pardon him, commuting the death sentence to life and  granting  him safe passage home to India.