Modifying the order on convict's detention at beggars home here for a year, Additional Sessions Judge Ajay Kumar Jain freed Delhi resident Anokhi Devi observing that she was lodged in the home since June 27, therefore "I consider that it is a sufficient period to make her learn a lesson".
"The appellant (Anokhi) is duly admonished for the act of begging and it is further directed that on her release from the detention in the certified institution, she will furnish bond in a sum of Rs 200 within one week and as undertaking to the satisfaction of the Magistrate that she will not engage herself in the similar activity in future," it said.
The convict has moved the sessions court against June 27 decision of the magistrate, which had charged and convicted her under section 5 (5) of the Bombay Beggary Prevention Act 1959, and sentenced her to detention in a certified institution for beggars under Delhi government.
Anokhi was produced before the magistrate after she was found begging at Sai Baba temple in south Delhi, the prosecution said.
Taking note of the convicts counsel submission that she only wants her sentence to be waived as she is a married and uneducated woman and after losing her job of maid, she was forced to beg, the court said the order needs modification.
"The accused has parents, four brothers, two sisters, husband and two sons and a daughter who are living at her native place. She came to Delhi four years back to get a job and is living at a jhuggi in Lodhi Colony," the court noted.
"The purpose of keeping a beggar out of the society has been duly served to large extent, therefore, I deem it appropriate that the sentence of imprisonment by way of detention in the Certified Institution be modified," the court said, while ordering release of Anokhi from beggar home.
