A Delhi court has partially allowed a plea by gangster Sandeep alias Kala Jatheri to facilitate his participation in an in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedure, citing his right to protect and extend his family lineage.

Additional Sessions Judge Deepak Walson passed the order on June 9 while hearing Jatheri’s application seeking interim custody parole for six hours to undergo a medical procedure related to IVF treatment.

The court noted that Jatheri and his wife wish to “protect their lineage by procreating a child in order to secure their family tree.” Taking into account the medical urgency and logistical considerations, the court did not allow parole outside jail premises but permitted the procedure to be conducted within Tihar Jail.

“The present application stands partly allowed and on June 14 between 6–7 AM, the treating doctors concerned from hospital shall visit the (Tihar) jail premises where the applicant is lodged. The concerned medical team shall collect the semen sample from the accused in privacy,” the court ordered.

It further directed that the collected sample be immediately handed over to the hospital representative under Jatheri’s supervision, to ensure it is transferred to the IVF facility within the medically recommended window of 60 minutes.

The judge also asked the jail superintendent and investigating officer to fully cooperate in facilitating the procedure.

The court took note of a communication from AIIMS confirming that semen samples could be collected inside Tihar Jail under the care of the IVF team from Gurugram, where Jatheri’s wife is undergoing treatment.