Karnataka High Court grants bail to mentally ill man accused of killing his father

The Karnataka High Court recently granted bail to a petitioner accused of murdering his father, on the ground that he suffers from schizophrenia with cannabis use disorder and that the investigation in the case is completed [Manaank Mudaliar v. State of Karnataka]. .Single-judge Justice K Natarajan said that if the petitioner is not provided proper treatment, it would not be possible to conduct trial against him."Therefore, considering the facts and circumstances of the case, the petitioner is in custody for almost one year two months and the entire investigation is completed and charge-sheet has been filed. Such being the case, for the purpose of treatment, I am of the opinion that the petitioner shall be released on bail on certain conditions," the Court ordered..The prosecution had alleged that the father of the accused-petitioner had brought him to Bengaluru for the purpose of providing treatment for his psychiatric disorder. The complainant, who is the deceased's brother received information that the accused had assaulted his father with a belt and poured boiling water on him, which resulted in his death.A complaint was then filed and the accused was arrested. .The Court, while considering the petition noted that medical reports of the accused showed that he was admitted to the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) Hospital from April 16, 2021 to May 06, 2021, where he was diagnosed and was undergoing treatment. Jail authorities also revealed that the petitioner is suffering from a mental disorder, and that he is being kept in a separate place in the jail where continuous treatment is being given by the jail through a psychiatrist..The doctor's statement recorded before the Magistrate said that the accused had stated that he wants to assault his father, and that he denied having any signs and symptoms suggestive of major mental illness and suicidal ideations, the Court observed. .The Court noted that the petitioner-accused suffers from schizophrenia with cannabis use disorder, and his father himself had brought the petitioner for treatment.Moreover, he had already been in custody for nearly one year and two months, and the entire investigation has been completed and the charge-sheet has been filed, noted the Court while allowing the bail petition. .The accused was thus granted bail on a personal bond of ₹5 lakh, with two sureties, and ordered not to indulge in similar offences or tamper with witnesses, and to appear before the Court without causing delay..Senior Advocate PP Hegde with Advocate Kamaluddin appeared for the petitioner while Government Pleader Vinayaka VS appeared for the State..[Read Order]