Supreme Court Denies Anticipatory Bail To Astrologer Accused Of Helping Woman To Poison Husband & Mother-in-Law

The Supreme Court today (December 19) refused to grant anticipatory bail to an astrologer Pandit Varun Mehta accused of conniving with a woman, who allegedly administered poison to her husband and her mother-in-law.

Reportedly, both victims were given slow poison and before death, they were given lemonade. Their health continued to deteriorate and eventually, they succumbed to death. It is alleged that the astrologer gave the poisonous substance to the wife to administer it to her husband and mother-in-law.

While denying bail, the Court said: "Not a case for anticipatory bail."

The Punjab Police have arrested the accused the wife and her two brothers, who were also allegedly involved in the case. Reportedly, the police have charged the accused persons with Section 304 (punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. Subsequently, Section 302 (punishment for murder) IPC was added.

The counsel for Pandit Varun appeared before a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and PB Varale. He said: "The incident took place on 11th June. I was not there. The death happened 12th July..I am only an astrologer, where she is a client."

Before he could proceed, Justice Nath interjected and said: "Whether you were there or not there, we don't know. Question is there are serious allegations that the wife along with her brothers and this Pandit ji, where she was learning astrology; he and his wife, connived together and administered poison to [husband and mother-in-law]..."

Justice Nath also questioned why the charges are under Section 304IPC. It should have been under Section 302IPC.

To this, the Counsel was informed that murder charges were added subsequently. Eventually, the Counsel requested that he may be allowed to withdraw the SLP, which was allowed.

Case Details: PANDIT VARUN VARUN MEHTA Vs THE STATE OF PUNJAB., SLP(Crl) No. 17846/2024