After November 12, the matter came up today afternoon for hearing before the Bombay HC seeking bail of poet-activist Dr. Varavara Rao on medical grounds. The Rao’s counsel Indira Jaising has contended that the state has not submitted a complete medical report except a one-page report which has been forwarded. And the same is taken on record by this Court.
The two-judge Bench of Justices SS ShindeandMadhav Jamdar was hearing a petition moved by Rao’s wife, Pendyala Hemlatha, who had contended that Rao’s medical needs are being neglected by the State and that he is being lodged under inhumane conditions at Taloja jail in violation of his rights under Article 21 of the Constitution.
While arguing, Jaising has contended that “The report which is submitted to you now, is an eye wash. I am earnestly requesting he be moved to Nanavati hospital so that a proper medical report can be submitted to you.We have been saying he is suffering from dementia, where is the report on that?”
The hearing of the case was through video conference as such the contentions made by the Rao’s counsel, Indira Jaising was not clearly audible to the court. Upon which the Advocate Jaising has proposed that the matter may be heard in physical court.
With the concern of Advocate Jaising and State & Jail authorities, the Court proceeded to list the matter for hearing in physical court at 11 am tomorrow. However, it was adjourned for tomorrow to allied prayers will be heard by this Court in Physical hearing.
During the hearing of the case, the court had stated that a video exam may be conducted, and if the medical team feels that the medical exam cannot be conducted via video conference, a physical medical exam can be conducted.
Moreover, Senior Advocate Jaising has asserted that Rao should be shifted to Nanavati hospital, given that the jail hospital is not equipped to conduct a proper medical exam.
“The VC hearing was for 15 mins. How can they determine in such a span if he is fit or not? The delay is not suiting him. I can come repeatedly for hearing,” she submitted.
