Sooraj Pancholi’s recent revelations about his time in Arthur Road Jail have sparked a fresh debate on the treatment of undertrials in India’s criminal justice system.
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Arrested at 21 for allegedly abetting the suicide of his girlfriend Jiah Khan, Pancholi was kept in the infamous ‘anda cell’—the same solitary confinement where 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Kasab was held.
He described the harsh conditions: no pillow, sleeping on newspapers and being treated as if he had already been convicted of a heinous crime—all before any court had found him guilty.
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Pancholi’s experience highlights a major flaw: the assumption of guilt over innocence for undertrials especially in high profile cases. The psychological impact of such incarceration, prolonged isolation, denial of basic amenities and stigma, can be devastating and irreversible.
Despite being acquitted in 2023 due to lack of evidence, the damage to his reputation and mental health was immense. His experience also exposes the role of media in shaping public perception and indirectly institutional behaviour.
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Sensational coverage leads to a trial by media, which overshadows the principle of “innocent until proven guilty”. Justice must be served but Pancholi’s case is a stark reminder that the rights and dignity of the accused must be protected until proven otherwise.
The justice system must balance accountability with fairness and humanity.
