Prison authorities say they cannot pay for the prisoner's treatment

The 43-year-old patient was jailed on charges of robbery two years ago and is presently in the jail's hospital.

But last year the Delhi High Court ordered the release of prisoners jailed for smaller crimes like robbery and pickpocketing, including the patient.

The man appealed to the court against his proposed release, saying he would suffer discrimination if he left jail.

Discrimination

According to government records, there are at least 3.5 million people suffering from HIV/AIDS in India.

Pressure groups say the illness is still regarded as a curse by many Indians.

The patient told the BBC he has not been visited once during the last two years by his friends and relatives even though he has four brothers in the neighbouring state of Haryana.

The petition filed before the court says that he wants medical facilities even after he is released on bail.

But the jail authorities have already informed him that they will not be paying for his expenses once he is released.

Jail Superintendent S.G. Moorthy told the BBC that the prison authorities cannot take care of the person after he is released from prison.

Mr Moorthy said the costs of his medicine is expensive and beyond the reach of this patient - who used to work as a truck driver.

The case continues.