A Delhi court has allowed American detainee Matthew Aaron VanDyke to receive selected food items and certain cooking utensils while lodged in Tihar Jail. The order was passed after a plea was moved seeking permission for special dietary arrangements during his custody.
The court approved the request on medical and humanitarian grounds, according to the report. The decision stands out because such relief is not commonly granted to inmates, especially in a major prison facility like Tihar Jail.
VanDyke is being held in connection with allegations of anti-India activities. The court order appears to deal only with the conditions of his detention and his food-related needs, rather than the underlying case against him.
The development shows that Indian courts may permit limited jail accommodations when health concerns are raised. For now, the ruling means the US detainee can receive approved food and related utensils under the court's direction while he remains in custody.
