Woman undertrial languishing in mental hospital for 43 yrs

Varanasi, Sep 11 (UNI) A local court today summoned detailed report on the condition of a 76-year-old murder accused, Sarla, languishing in the mental hospital here sans trial for the last 43 years.

The Medical Superintendent (MS) of 'Mansik Chikitsalaya' has been directed by the court to submit the report before it and also the Allahabad High Court by September 20.

Sarla's counsel Ramesh Upadhayaya said for the first time in 43 years, she was produced before the court today.

Additional District Judge (ADJ) A K Mishra, took serious note of the hospital's failure to file Sarla's medical report with the Allahabad High Court till now, despite the Court -- way back in 1963 -- ordering the MS to submit the same within a week.

The ADJ expressed surprise, as to what took it so long for the hospital to submit the report, despite the HC directing it to do so in a week time in 1963.

Sarla, hailing from Andhau village of Ghazipur district, was undergoing nursing training in Allahabad, when her batch-mate Bela was murdered on July 26, 1961. The police arrested her in connection with the case and later lodged in Naini (Allahabad) Jail.

A district court in 1963, for want of evidence, acquitted her of the murder charge.

In 1963, the Uttar Pradesh government challenged the court order in the Allahabad High Court, following which Sarla was re-arrested and sent to the mental hospital for treatment.

At that time, the High Court had only directed the MS to submit Sarla's medical report within a week. However, 43 yrs have passed, the hospital has not bothered to comply, Mr Upadhayaya claimed.

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