Court-Hearing – Delhi Court Orders Weekend Psychiatric Consultations for Aaftab Poonawala
Court-Hearing – The Saket District Court has directed prison officials to shift Aaftab Amin Poonawala’s psychiatric consultations from Tuesdays to Saturdays so they do not interfere with the ongoing daily hearings in the Shraddha Walkar murder trial.
The order was issued on Friday after Poonawala informed the court that he has been receiving psychiatric treatment for anxiety and related mental health concerns while in judicial custody. According to his submission, the prison psychiatrist is available on Tuesdays, creating a scheduling conflict with the court proceedings that are currently taking place throughout the week.
Court Directs Jail Authorities to Change Consultation Schedule
Additional Sessions Judge Hargurvarinder Singh Jaggi accepted the request and instructed the Jail Superintendent along with the officer in charge of the prison dispensary or hospital to reorganize the consultation schedule. The court noted that the prosecution evidence stage of the trial has been progressing on a day-to-day basis since July 21, 2026, with hearings taking place from Monday through Friday.
In its order dated July 31, the court observed that moving the consultations to Saturdays would ensure that medical care continues without disrupting the judicial process. The direction aims to maintain both the accused’s access to treatment and the smooth conduct of the ongoing trial.
Accused Cites Anxiety Treatment During Custody
During the hearing, Poonawala told the court that he has been undergoing psychiatric treatment throughout his period of incarceration. He stated that his consultations are related to anxiety and other mental health issues, but the current Tuesday schedule overlaps with the court’s daily proceedings.
Seeking relief, he requested the court to instruct prison authorities to arrange his appointments on Saturdays instead. The court found the request reasonable in view of the present stage of the trial and passed the necessary directions to the jail administration.
Trial Continues With Recording of Prosecution Evidence
The proceedings in the 2022 Shraddha Walkar murder case are currently focused on recording prosecution evidence. The court has been conducting hearings on a daily basis to ensure timely progress in the matter.
During Friday’s proceedings, the testimony and cross-examination of witness Prakash Saksena were completed. The court also recorded the examination of Sub-Inspector Sandeep as part of the prosecution’s evidence.
More Witnesses Scheduled to Appear
The trial is set to continue with additional prosecution witnesses expected to appear before the court. Two witnesses, identified as Sanuj and Abhishek Emmanuel, have been directed to appear for cross-examination on August 3.
The case remains under active judicial consideration, with the court continuing to hear evidence from prosecution witnesses in accordance with the day-to-day schedule. The latest order regarding Poonawala’s psychiatric consultations is intended solely to prevent scheduling conflicts while allowing both the medical treatment and court proceedings to continue without interruption.