Bodhan, Telangana – April 30, 2025: In an extraordinary display of compassion and commitment to justice, Additional Junior Civil Judge E. Sai Shiva of Bodhan town in Nizamabad district stepped out of his courtroom to deliver a verdict on the street for an elderly couple too frail to enter the court premises.
The couple, Sayamma and Gangaram from Raykur village, were facing charges under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, pertaining to allegations of matrimonial cruelty filed by their daughter-in-law. Despite their advanced age and health issues, they had been diligently attending court hearings. However, on the day of the verdict, they arrived in an auto-rickshaw but were unable to walk into the courtroom due to physical frailty.
Upon learning of their condition, Judge Sai Shiva took the unprecedented step of conducting the proceedings outside the court building. He personally met the couple, enquired into the details of the case, and, after assessing the circumstances, delivered the judgment on the spot. The judge acquitted the couple, stating:
“Accused No.1 and 2 found not guilty for the offence punishable under section 498A of IPC.”
This act of empathy was witnessed by many presents at the court premises, who praised the magistrate for his sensitivity and humane approach. The elderly couple expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the unexpected gesture.
Judge Sai Shiva, a recent entrant into the judiciary, graduated from Mahatma Gandhi Law College, Hyderabad, and successfully cleared the civil judge examination in 2023. In a previous interview, he had expressed his aspiration to bridge the gap between victims and accused individuals, stating:
“Since childhood, I have been inclined to legal matters. I chose the role of judge to be in the middle of a victim and accused person. I am determined to speedily dispose of cases, besides ensuring justice to victims.”
