This story is from January 1, 2020

Drafting ill-health plea shows Indrani Mukerjea mentally fit: Special CBI court

In a detailed order rejecting Sheena Bora murder accused Indrani Mukerjea's plea for bail on health grounds, a special CBI court observed recently that she had drafted her bail application and enumerated several grounds supporting her contention, which indicated that she was mentally fit despite her medical ailments.
Drafting ill-health plea shows Indrani Mukerjea mentally fit: Special CBI court
Indrani Mukerjea
MUMBAI: In a detailed order rejecting Sheena Bora murder accused Indrani Mukerjea's plea for bail on health grounds, a special CBI court observed recently that she had drafted her bail application and enumerated several grounds supporting her contention, which indicated that she was mentally fit despite her medical ailments.
The special court also pointed out that while 59 witnesses had deposed, some crucial witnesses, including Mukerjea's former husband Peter's son, Rahul, were yet to take the stand, it left open the possibility of their being influenced.

Mukerjea's fourth plea for bail was rejected on December 20. The court said Mukerjea was a prominent person in society, held an important position in the media, and even now had sufficient financial resources. It said she had not raised any new grounds from her previous bail pleas.
"It has to be remembered that the accused is a stepmother of Rahul and the testimony of this witness has important bearing with the final decision of this case. The possibility can not be ruled out that after releasing on bail, the accused may tamper with the evidence and the crucial testimony of prime witness Rahul Mukerjea may be influenced," it said.
The court said Mukerjea had not raised any new grounds from her previous bail pleas. It said that it had already considered her health issues in the earlier bail order and given directions to jail authorities.
The court observed that neither her divorce from co-accused Peter Mukerjea nor his heart attack could be termed "change of circumstances".
he court said that Mukerjea's submission that she had turned approver in the INX Media case in Delhi and the CBI investigating officer in that case had opined that she was very co-operative and helpful, could not be considered a change in circumstance in the present case.
Referring to the submission of a delay in the trial, the court included a table showing the time taken to examine and cross-examine witnesses and instances where Mukerjea's defence had sought adjournments.
The court said it insisted on keeping the hearing on a day-to-day basis but lawyers on both sides had made submissions about their "occupational difficulties".
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About the Author
Rebecca Samervel

Armed with a degree in political science and law, Rebecca Samervel waltzed into journalism after a brief stint in modeling. As a reporter at The Times of India, Mumbai, she covers courts. She is a self-confessed food-a-holic. Travelling, politics and television are her passions. If you want to find her during the week the only place to look is the Bombay high court.

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