Overview
- Justice M. Nagaprasanna set aside the 56th Additional City Civil and Sessions Court’s December 29 and January 12 orders that allowed weekly home food on oral requests for Pavithra Gowda, Nagaraju R, and Lakshman M.
- The High Court held that home‑cooked meals for undertrials are allowed only in line with prison procedures and only after prior medical examination and advice.
- The ruling introduced oversight measures that include digital publication of prison menus, a grievance mechanism on food quality, periodic inspection and certification by a medical officer or dietician, and a state circular to ensure compliance.
- The court flagged concerns about nutritional adequacy in prisons, noting a revised spend of Rs 125 per inmate per day for four meals and submissions referencing an FSSAI four‑star nutrition rating.
- The accused may reapply for the facility with medical support, and the court cautioned against concessions that could disrupt prison management while recalling the Supreme Court’s warning on avoiding special treatment for actor Darshan and co‑accused.