Modifying a magisterial court order on the man's detention at a home here, Additional Sessions Judge Ajay Kumar Jain freed Bihar native Krishna Bihari observing that he was lodged in the home since September 6 and therefore "it is a sufficient period to make him learn a lesson".
"The appellant (Krishna) is duly admonished for the act of begging and it is further directed that on his release from the detention in the certified institution, he will furnish a bond of Rs 200 within one week and as undertaking to the satisfaction of the magistrate that he will not engage himself in the similar activity in future," the court said.
Krishna, a Class VIII dropout, had moved the sessions court against September 6 decision of the magistrate, who had charged and convicted him under Section 5 (5) of the Bombay Beggary Prevention Act 1959, and sentenced him to detention in a Delhi government-certified home for beggars.
The 70-year-old man was produced before the magistrate after he was found begging at Sai Baba temple in south Delhi, the prosecution said.
Praying for his release from the shelter home, Krishna's counsel had told the court that he is an elderly person.
"He is married, educated and has four children to look after. His parents and wife died long ago and has no other