NIA court allows special dietary arrangements for U.S. national accused in a terror case
A special NIA court has granted a U.S. national accused in a terror case the right to a specific, protein-rich diet while in custody. The court cited the prisoner's health and the constitutional right to dignity as reasons for the accommodation.
Why it matters
This case highlights the intersection of prisoner rights, constitutional law, and the state's duty of care for detainees.
A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court on Tuesday (July 21, 2026) allowed a plea filed by U.S. national Matthew Aaron Van Dyke, an accused in a terror conspiracy case being investigated by the NIA, seeking permission for a “protein-rich” and “American-style” diet in jail.
Earlier this month, Mr. Van Dyke moved an application through his counsel, advocates Rohit Dandriyal and Rohit Gour, seeking dietary accommodations. The plea claimed that the accused had been on an apparent hunger strike for nearly 50 days and had survived largely on liquids, including soy milk, because he was unable to consume the food served in prison. It also stated that he had lost around 13 kg during this period. He hence sought a protein-rich, American-style diet, including soy milk.
The matter came up for hearing on Tuesday (July 21) after the NIA and the Jail Superintendent filed their replies.
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