Mumbai: A special PMLA court has directed prison authorities to provide proper Jain food to Ahmedabad-based trader Ritesh Shah, an accused in the Malegaon money laundering case. Shah had moved the court in May, stating that despite an earlier order, he was only being served chapatis and dal, not a diet in line with his lifelong adherence to Jainism.
The court had allowed Shah’s plea on May 14, observing that as a follower of Jainism, he is entitled to food aligned with his religious practices. However, Shah’s lawyer, Viral Babar, later informed the court that the prison was still not complying, causing his client's health issues due to inadequate nutrition.
Calling this a violation of the court’s order and Shah’s fundamental rights under Article 21, Babar sought a show-cause notice to the prison authorities. The court agreed and directed the authorities to ensure Shah receives Jain food as mandated.
