Cuttack: The Orissa high court on Tuesday granted seven days’ interim bail to Odia actor Lipan Sahu, who is serving a life sentence for murdering his actress wife Nikita, to visit his critically ill father undergoing treatment in an ICU in a Bhubaneswar hospital.The two judge bench of Justice S K Panigrahi and Justice M S Raman passed the order while considering Sahu’s plea for three months’ interim bail on humanitarian grounds. The court, however, restricted the relief to seven days. Taking note of the medical reports, the bench observed that the actor’s “presence is highly necessary” as his father was in a critical condition.The bench directed Sahu’s release on a bail bond of Rs 20,000 with one local solvent surety for the like amount. He must surrender before the trial court on the eighth day of his release. He was also directed not to indulge in any criminal activity during the interim bail period. Sahu’s criminal appeal has been posted for Dec 10. His counsel was asked to produce the surrender certificate on the next date, with both sides directed to remain ready for hearing of the appeal.Sahu was convicted by the court of third additional district and sessions judge, Cuttack, on Feb 26 and sentenced to life imprisonment with a fine of Rs 20,000 for Nikita’s murder. Nikita, whose real name was Lakshmipriya Behera, died on Jan 4, 2019, after falling from an apartment terrace at Mahanadi Vihar in Cuttack.