New Delhi: An aged and destitute couple, apprehended while begging in posh South Delhi area here and sent to a remand home for beggars for a year, has been let off by a sessions court after admonition.
Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Ajay Kumar Kuhar released the destitute couple Jethu Ram and his wife Laxmi from detention after warning them not to indulge in begging again.
The session court released the duo on their appeal against a magisterial court order for their detention for a year in a certified institution meant for beggars.
"The appellants are duly admonished for the act of begging and it is directed that they be released from the detention in the certified institution," Kuhar said.
Ajmer natives Jethu Ram and Laxmi were found begging from passersby at a traffic signal on Lodhi Road here earlier this year.
The police had recovered Rs 20 and Rs 18 from Laxmi and Jethu Ram respectively, which they had received as alms. The duo were convicted by the trial court under the provision of Bombay Prevention of Begging Act.
The couple approached the sessions court challenging the order of the magistrate regarding the period of detention.
The old couple pleaded before the court that they would not indulge in act of begging in future.
"Considering the circumstances of the appellants, the sentence of imprisonment by way of detention in the certified institution is modified," ASJ Kuhar said.
PTI
