Authority: Supreme Court of India

Order Date: 25-06-2026

Case Overview

  • Parties: Appellant Shaik Rahamthulla (also referred to as Shaik Irfan) versus the State of Andhra Pradesh (respondent). Counsel for appellant included Mr. Wajeeh Shafiq, Mr. Rahul Yadav, Ms. Shagufta Ansari, and Mr. N. Rajaraman; counsel for respondent was Ms. Prerna Singh.
  • Criminal Appeals: IA 179485/2026 filed in Criminal Appeal No. 3128/2025 and IA 179505/2026 filed in Criminal Appeal No. 3127/2025. Both appeals arise from the appellant’s conviction by the Sessions Court under IPC Sections 396 read with 120B and Section 400, resulting in a life term of rigorous imprisonment among other penalties.
  • Background: The appellant’s appeal before the High Court was dismissed; Special Leave Petitions were subsequently filed before this Court, which granted leave and converted them into the present Criminal Appeals.
  • Medical Condition: The appellant is a 75‑year‑old male suffering from Chronic Rheumatic Heart Disease (CRHD) with severe calcific mitral stenosis, having undergone Mitral Valve Replacement with a 27 mm CE Paramount Tissue Valve. He also has diabetes, hypertension, cataract, and urinary incontinence.
  • Medical Evidence: On 18‑06‑2026 the Court directed the respondent’s counsel to produce a medical report. The report, accompanied by a covering letter from the Superintendent of Jails, Central Jail, Nellore (dated 20‑06‑2026), was produced on the hearing date. Additionally, the Director of Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS) emailed the Court stating:

1. The required cardiac procedure is available at SVIMS.

2. Estimated cost is approximately ₹20 lakhs, funds to be arranged.

3. Not all patients are suitable; a detailed evaluation is necessary.

4. The appellant should be sent to SVIMS for a one‑week hospitalization for evaluation.

  • Family Support: Counsel for the appellant indicated that the appellant’s family is willing to bear the medical expenses and provide care during treatment.

Final Outcome

  • The Court, considering the appellant’s advanced age and serious health issues, granted medical bail for a period of three months from the date of release.
  • The appellant is to be produced before the concerned Trial Court within seven days of this order; the Trial Court shall then release him on bail on terms it deems fit and proper.
  • Interlocutory Applications No. 179485/2026 (Criminal Appeal 3128/2025) and No. 179505/2026 (Criminal Appeal 3127/2025) are disposed of.
  • The matter will be listed in due course for further procedural steps.

Topics: Legal Bail, Medical Grounds