Justice Karnan Refuses Medical Examination, Says He Is ‘Normal’

Justice Karnan’s antics continued on Thursday when he refused to be examined by a four-member team of psychiatrists who arrived at his residence to execute a Supreme Court order.

The Doctors from the Calcutta Pavlov Hospital for Mental Patients, who were accompanied by police officers, were reportedly treated to tea, but were declined the permission to medically examine the Judge.

He is also reported to have given a statement in writing to the doctors: “I declined to avail medical treatment since I am quite normal and have a stable mind. Further my strong view about the Supreme Court order (is that) it amounts to insult and harassment towards the judge (myself).”

He further told the doctors that for holding such a medical examination, guardian’s consent is required, and since his family members were not present at that time, the examination cannot be conducted.

The order for Justice Karnan’s check-up was passed on Monday by a seven Judge Constitution Bench. The bench was particularly miffed over two recent “judicial orders” passed by Justice Karnan (when he was restrained from issuing judicial or administrative orders), summoning the Judges of seven Judge Bench, and directing the Air Control Authority to not allow the seven SC Judges to travel abroad. The Bench had then found that he was not in a position to defend himself now, and had directed the DGP, West Bengal to constitute a team of police personnel to get the examination conducted. The Board is supposed to submit a report by May 8.