In an unusual hearing on Friday, the Gujarat High Court allowed an accused man to briefly return home under police escort so he could perform the last rites of his pet dog. The order came during proceedings on a regular bail application filed before chargesheet.
Justice Utkarsh Thakorbhai Desai permitted the temporary visit while directing that the applicant remain under police custody during the entire period.
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Background of the Case
The matter arose in a criminal miscellaneous application filed by Manish Premchand Shah, who is currently in custody in connection with a case registered in Gujarat. The bail application was listed before the court before the filing of the chargesheet.
During the hearing, the applicant’s counsel informed the court that Shah had been emotionally attached to his pet dog for nearly 14 years, and the animal had recently died. Because of this attachment, the accused wished to return home briefly to perform the dog’s final rites.
The court also recorded that advocate Jigar L. Patel had received instructions to appear on behalf of the original complainant and directed the registry to accept the vakalatnama and place it on record.
After hearing the submissions, the court considered the limited request made by the defence.
The bench noted that the accused sought only a short visit to his residence to carry out the last rites of his pet. Taking note of the circumstances, the court decided to allow the visit under strict supervision of the police.
“The applicant is hereby directed to be taken to his house at Surat today… with police custody,” the court ordered.
While granting the temporary relief, the court laid down clear conditions to ensure that the accused remained under custody throughout the visit.
The court directed that:
- The applicant be taken to his residence in Surat on 13 March 2026 under police escort.
- The visit would be permitted only until 8:00 PM on the same day.
- After the permitted time, the accused must be returned to the concerned jail authority.
- Police personnel accompanying the applicant should remain in civil clothes.
- The cost of police custody will be borne by the State Government.
The court further directed that a copy of the order be immediately sent via email to the concerned court, police station, and Lajpore Central Jail in Surat for prompt compliance.
The High Court clarified that the permission was limited to the temporary visit and did not decide the bail application itself.
The matter has been re-listed for further hearing on 30 March 2026.
Case Title: Manish Premchand Shah vs State of Gujarat
Case No.: R/Criminal Misc. Application (Regular Bail – Before Chargesheet) No. 6140 of 2026
Decision Date: 13 March 2026
