Medical grounds can justify interim suspension of sentence during a public health emergency, subject to strict compliance safeguards.

Interim suspension of sentence may be granted to a convicted person on medical grounds where serious health vulnerability, ongoing treatment, and the prevailing public health emergency justify temporary release. The Delhi HC noted the appellant's medical history, continuing medication, and need for regular monitoring, and also considered prison decongestion as relevant to prisoner health. Although the conviction related to offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, the Court treated the exceptional circumstances as sufficient for limited interim relief, subject to stringent safeguards to secure attendance, verify location, and prevent interference with the appeal.

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Issues: Whether interim suspension of sentence should be granted to a convicted appellant on medical grounds in the prevailing public health emergency.

Analysis: The appellant produced material indicating a serious medical history, continued medication, and the need for regular monitoring. The Court also noted the prevailing public health emergency and the need to decongest prisons to safeguard prisoners' health. Although the appellant stood convicted of offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, the Court found that his medical vulnerability and the exceptional circumstances justified temporary release subject to stringent safeguards.

Conclusion: Interim suspension of sentence was granted for three months, subject to conditions designed to ensure attendance, location verification, and non-interference with the appeal.

Final Conclusion: The application for suspension of sentence was allowed on an interim basis, with the appellant released for a limited period under supervisory conditions.

Ratio Decidendi: In exceptional circumstances of medical vulnerability and public health risk, a convicted person's sentence may be temporarily suspended under Section 389 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, subject to conditions ensuring availability and compliance.

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