India, July 23 -- An undertrial does not lose his fundamental rights while in custody, a Delhi court said on Tuesday as it allowed former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Naresh Balyan to have five minutes of e-mulakat and phone call with his family once every week.

The order was passed by special judge Dig Vijay of Rouse Avenue Court, in an application moved by Balyan's counsel, advocate MS Khan, wherein it was claimed that e-mulakats and telephonic conversations were being denied to him.

Stating that he was a diagnosed psychiatric patient whose mental health depends on regular family interaction, Balyan sought the resumption of the communication facilities.

According to the Delhi Prison Rules, for undertrials accused in heinous offences or ...