A doctor couple, who had gone on a vacation to Thailand, allegedly leaving their 13-year-old maid locked-up and starving in their flat at Dwarka in South West Delhi, was today denied anticipatory bail. 

"Anticipatory bail plea dismissed," Additional District Judge I S Mehta said, declining the relief to Dr Sanjay Verma and his wife Sumita, against whom look-out notices were issued on April 2 by the Delhi Police.

The anticipatory bail plea made on behalf of the couple, wanted by the police for allegedly employing a child below 14 years of age and exploiting her, contended that the section 26 (exploitation of juvenile or child employee) of the Juvenile  Justice Act, 2000, is not applicable to them. Appearing for the doctor couple, their counsel told the court that his clients were to return to India on March 31.