Archive · 24 Jul 2026
Court rejects plea on accused seating during trial
A court in Delhi has said that Aaftab Poonawala, who is accused of murdering Shraddha Walkar, can sit next to his lawyer during the trial.
The court said this is to make sure Aaftab can talk to his lawyer easily and the trial goes smoothly.
The court also said that even someone accused of a serious crime has rights and should not be treated badly.
The court has allowed Aaftab to sit close to his lawyer because it's more convenient and fair.
A Delhi court rejected a plea to prevent Aaftab Poonawala from sitting next to his lawyer during trial proceedings.
The court said an accused cannot be denied proper seating or treated in a manner that reflects 'disgust' or 'vengeance'.
The court has consistently allowed Aaftab to sit close to his lawyer for effective communication.
The court referred to Rule 14 of the Delhi High Court Rules, which permits an accused to remain seated during trial.
The court observed that even a person accused of a heinous offence has legal rights.
- Who
- Aaftab Amin Poonawala (accused), Shraddha Walkar (victim), Additional Sessions Judge Hargurvarinder Singh Jaggi (judge)
- What
- A Delhi court rejected a plea to prevent Aaftab Poonawala from sitting next to his lawyer during trial proceedings.
- When
- The order was passed on July 22.
- Where
- New Delhi, India
- Why
- The court ruled that an accused cannot be denied proper seating or treated in a manner that reflects 'disgust' or 'vengeance'.
Complainant's Counsel
Defense Counsel
Seating Arrangement
Complainant's Counsel
The complainant's counsel objected to Aaftab Poonawala sitting next to his lawyer, arguing it might affect the trial's fairness.
Defense Counsel
The defense counsel argued that Aaftab Poonawala should be allowed to sit close to his lawyer for effective communication and smooth trial proceedings.
- Accused
- Aaftab Amin Poonawala
- Victim
- Shraddha Walkar
- Court
- Additional Sessions Judge Hargurvarinder Singh Jaggi
- Date of Order
- July 22
- Rule Cited
- Rule 14 of the Delhi High Court Rules