Soy Milk, Pasta And A Prison Plea: US Mercenary Wins Food Relief In Tihar Jail

New Delhi: A Delhi court has allowed a plea filed by American national Matthew Aaron VanDyke, who is facing terrorism-related charges investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), permitting him to receive food items of his choice and use specified cooking facilities inside Tihar Jail on humanitarian and medical grounds.The order came after the court heard an application filed by VanDyke through his lawyers, Advocates Rohit Dandriyal and Rohit Gour, seeking permission for a special diet plan, arguing that his health had deteriorated because he was unable to consume the food ordinarily served in prison.During the hearing, the NIA and the Tihar Jail Superintendent filed their responses to the application.Counsel for VanDyke argued at length before the court that his client had been unable to eat the prison diet because it was "spicy, oily, deep-fried and greasy", and that his medical condition required a different diet. The defence submitted that Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, also protects an individual's dignity, including while in judicial custody.The lawyers argued that preserving that dignity required allowing VanDyke access to food he was accustomed to eating and permitting him to prepare meals suitable for his health.After considering the submissions and taking into account the accused's medical condition, the court allowed the list of food items sought in the application, with the exception of non-vegetarian items.The court further directed the jail authorities to provide a cook who would prepare meals according to VanDyke's preferences.VanDyke's application had argued that he had been forced onto a prolonged hunger strike because he was unable to consume the food available in Tihar Jail.The plea, filed before Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma at Delhi's Patiala House Court, stated that VanDyke had remained on a hunger strike since 6 May 2026. According to the application, the prison diet had caused severe physical discomfort and significantly affected his health.The petition claimed he had lost nearly 14 kg, suffered vision problems because of inadequate nutrition, and experienced a substantial decline in his strength, stamina and immunity.The application also stated that VanDyke's family was willing to bear the full cost of food supplies, cooking equipment and any related expenses.Among the items sought by VanDyke were lentils, pasta, uncooked noodles, rice, potatoes, onions, beans, bread, butter, olive oil, toned milk, soy milk, bottled water and spices. His application had also requested permission to keep red meat, chicken, fish and shrimp, although the court excluded non-vegetarian items while allowing the request.The Jail Superintendent and the Medical Officer have also been directed to ensure VanDyke's health and well-being while he remains in custody.In addition, the court ordered prison authorities to provide him with mosquito protection and an electric kettle.