Varavara Rao, 81, is currently admitted to Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai (file)
New Delhi:
The Bombay High Court on Monday asked the NIA and the Maharashtra government to inform it of the state of health of poet Varavara Rao, accused in the case of links between Elgar Parishad and Maoists, and if his family could be allowed to see it from a distance “.
The instructions came after Mr. Rao’s lawyer told the court that the activist was “almost on his deathbed.”
Mr. Rao, 81, is currently admitted to Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai. He tested positive for the coronavirus earlier this month and also suffers from several other illnesses.
A division bench composed of judges SS Shinde and SP Tavade asked the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the state to inform the court of Mr. Rao’s state of health and to clarify here on July 22 if his family could be allowed to see him.
Mr. Rao’s attorney, Sudeep Pasbola, told the court that the activist was “almost on his deathbed” and that if he were to die, it should be in the presence of his family.
“His condition is very serious. He hit his head against the hospital bed while in JJ Hospital and suffered serious injuries. Besides COVID-19, he suffers from several ailments, he is hallucinating and delirious, ”Pasbola said.
“His days are numbered and if he has to die, at least let him die in the presence of his family members,” the lawyer said, asking Mr. Rao to get bail.
Mr. Pasbola said Mr. Rao was not in a position to prejudice the investigation into the case and even the NIA could not dispute that fact.
The bench, however, asked if Mr. Rao was in such critical condition, wouldn’t it be counterproductive to get him out of the hospital and take him somewhere else?
“Also, if he has COVID-19, then how can he meet his family? asked the court.
