A Delhi court has sought a response from Tihar Jail authorities after an American citizen accused in a terror conspiracy case requested permission to prepare his own meals inside the prison, claiming that the food served in jail has seriously affected his health.
The accused, Matthew Aaron VanDyke, is currently in judicial custody in Tihar Jail in connection with a case being investigated under anti-terror laws. In his application before the court, he stated that he is unable to consume the regular prison food because it is too spicy, oily and deep-fried for his dietary habits.
According to the plea, VanDyke has been on what he described as a hunger strike since 6 May, claiming that he has been unable to eat the meals served in prison. He alleged that, as a result, he has lost nearly 14 kilograms in weight and has experienced a decline in his overall health, including reduced strength and stamina.
Seeking relief on humanitarian grounds, the accused asked the court to allow him to prepare his own food inside the jail at his own expense. His application also requested permission to keep basic cooking equipment and food items required to prepare meals that suit his dietary needs. The plea stated that his family is willing to bear the entire cost of the food supplies and cooking arrangements.
After hearing the matter, the Delhi court issued a notice to the Tihar Jail administration and directed prison authorities to file their response. The matter has been listed for further hearing on 21 July, when the court is expected to consider the jail administration's reply before taking a decision on the request.
Under Indian law, prisoners and undertrial inmates are entitled to basic medical care and essential facilities while in judicial custody. However, any request for special treatment or permission to keep additional items inside prison must be approved by the court after considering prison rules, security requirements and the recommendations of jail authorities.
Legal experts note that courts generally examine such requests by balancing humanitarian concerns with prison regulations. Any special permission granted to an inmate must not compromise prison security or create unequal treatment among prisoners.
VanDyke was arrested earlier this year in connection with an alleged terror conspiracy case involving accusations of providing training and support to banned armed groups. The allegations against him remain under judicial examination, and the trial is still at the court stage. He continues to remain an undertrial prisoner, meaning the charges against him are yet to be decided through the legal process.
The court's next hearing is expected to focus on the response submitted by the prison administration and whether any medical or humanitarian grounds justify granting the accused permission to prepare his own meals while remaining in judicial custody.