Shraddha Walkar Case: How Aaftab Poonawala’s MA Exam and Family Tragedies Delayed the Trial
A Delhi court's decision to cancel a highly anticipated day-to-day hearing in the Shraddha Walkar murder case has reignited national debate. Legal representatives for the victim's family and close friends have accused the defence of deliberately using delaying tactics to prolong proceedings in one of India's most widely followed domestic violence and murder trials.
The latest delay came after the Saket District Court accepted a plea from the prime accused, Aaftab Amin Poonawala. Currently lodged in Tihar Jail as an undertrial prisoner, Poonawala was granted an exemption from appearing in court as he was scheduled to take his final Master of Arts (MA) Sociology examination.
Citing the clash in timing, the judge ordered the cancellation of the proceedings scheduled for that date. Instead, the court ordered that the critical day-to-day recording of prosecution evidence would resume on 21 July.
While the court framework treats access to education as a standard right for undertrial prisoners, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from those who have spent years waiting for justice. Rajat Shukla, a close friend of the late Shraddha Walkar, expressed deep frustration over what he viewed as unnecessary judicial leniency.
The latest delay came after the Saket District Court accepted a plea from the prime accused, Aaftab Amin Poonawala. Currently lodged in Tihar Jail as an undertrial prisoner, Poonawala was granted an exemption from appearing in court as he was scheduled to take his final Master of Arts (MA) Sociology examination.
Academics in Prison Sparks Controversy
Additional Sessions Judge Hargurvarinder Singh Jaggi reviewed the formal application on 8 July 2026. Poonawala’s legal team presented an official datesheet from the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), indicating that his final examination would take place inside Central Jail No. 3 on the afternoon of 20 July.Citing the clash in timing, the judge ordered the cancellation of the proceedings scheduled for that date. Instead, the court ordered that the critical day-to-day recording of prosecution evidence would resume on 21 July.
While the court framework treats access to education as a standard right for undertrial prisoners, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from those who have spent years waiting for justice. Rajat Shukla, a close friend of the late Shraddha Walkar, expressed deep frustration over what he viewed as unnecessary judicial leniency.
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