HC allows Accused to attend Pet Dog’s last rites

In an unusual plea highlighting the emotional bond between humans and animals, the Gujarat High Court stepped in to consider a prisoner’s request to briefly leave custody in order to perform the last rites of his pet dog. The case raised a delicate question before the Court, whether personal grief and humane considerations could justify temporary police escort for a prisoner, even while criminal proceedings remain pending.

The controversy arose when the applicant informed the Court that his pet dog, which he had raised for nearly fourteen years, had recently died. Counsel for the applicant submitted that the animal held deep emotional value for him and that he wished to perform the final rituals at his residence in Surat. During the proceedings, Advocate Jigar L. Patel also entered appearance for the original complainant. The plea essentially asked the Court to balance the applicant’s personal sentiments with the demands of custodial security and legal procedure.

Taking note of the circumstances, the Court acknowledged the applicant’s attachment to the animal and directed authorities to permit a brief escorted visit. In its order, the bench stated that the applicant would be taken to his residence under police supervision so he could conduct the rituals, directing that “the applicant is hereby directed to be taken to his house at Surat today… with police custody… till 08.00 pm.” 

The Court further ordered that the police personnel accompanying him would remain in civil clothes and that the government would bear the cost of the escort. The accused was directed to be returned to Lajpore Central Jail thereafter, with the matter scheduled for further hearing on March 30.