A Delhi court has postponed the July 20 hearing in the Shraddha Walkar murder case after accused Aaftab Amin Poonawalla informed the bench that he will be taking his final MA Sociology exam in Tihar Jail that day. Evidence recording will resume from July 21 at 2 p.m.

Key Takeaways

  • Accused Aaftab Poonawalla is scheduled to sit for his final MA Sociology exam inside Tihar Jail.
  • The court cancelled the July 20 hearing to accommodate the exam.
  • Prosecution evidence recording will restart on July 21 at 2 p.m.

The Delhi Sessions Court on July 10, 2026, officially cancelled the July 20 hearing in the high‑profile murder case of Shraddha Walkar, after the accused, Aaftab Amin Poonawalla, submitted an application stating that he would be appearing for his final MA Sociology examination at the IGNOU exam centre inside Tihar Central Jail on that day.

Case Background

Shraddha Walkar, a 27‑year‑old call‑centre employee, was brutally murdered in May 2022 by her live‑in partner Poonawalla. According to the prosecution, the accused strangled her, dismembered the body, stored parts in a refrigerator and later disposed of them across multiple locations in Delhi, including a forested area. The case, which captured national attention, has been pending trial since 2023.

Impact of the Examination Request

Poonawalla, who has been incarcerated at Tihar Jail since his arrest in November 2022, is enrolled in the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). His exam schedule runs from July 11 to July 20, with the final paper slated for July 20, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the jail’s Examination Centre No. 03. The Sessions Judge, Hargurvarinder Singh Jaggi, accepted the request for exemption from physical appearance before the court, leading to the cancellation of the hearing.

Procedural Adjustments

The bench ordered that prosecution evidence collection, originally slated for July 20‑25, be shifted to start on July 21 at 2 p.m. All other previously fixed dates remain unchanged, while August dates are yet to be set. So far, the prosecution has partially recorded testimony of 13 witnesses; 12 witnesses’ statements have been deferred, and eight more witnesses are yet to be examined.

Broader Implications

The decision underscores the judiciary’s willingness to accommodate the educational rights of inmates, even in serious criminal matters. However, it also raises questions about whether such accommodations might inadvertently provide comfort to individuals accused of heinous crimes. The case’s continuation will test the balance between ensuring a fair trial and upholding the principle that education is a fundamental right, regardless of custodial status.