Bombay HC Orders Nanavati Hospital To Submit Fresh Report On Varvara Rao's Health Condition, Rao To Remain In Hospital For Now

Division bench of Justice SS Shinde and Justice MS Karnik were hearing writ petitions filed on behalf of Rao along with a petition filed by his wife Pendyala Hemalatha. As National Investigation Agency's counsel Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh sought adjournment in the case, Court asked the parties to stand over till January 13.

Initially, in an order dated October 18, another bench headed by Justice Shinde, had taken note of the critical medical condition of the octogenarian, and directed that he be shifted to Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital from Taloja Jail, for 15 days for a thorough check-up.

Referring to the said order, the bench observed that the ad-interim order which is continued from time to time till date shall remain in operation till January 13.

Justice Shinde had observed in the October 18 order-

"Ultimately the man is almost on his death bed. He needs some treatment. Can the State say no no we will treat him in Taloja? We are only saying transfer him to Nanavati for two weeks. We will further see after two weeks."

Appearing on behalf of Rao, Senior Advocate Indira Jaising had argued that there was a "reasonable apprehension" that Rao may die in jail and will not stand trial in the Bhima Koregaon case. Referring to his medical reports, Jaising submitted that his medical condition was highly vulnerable and that the facilities in Taloja Jail hospital were not sufficient to treat his conditions.

Rao is one of the accused in the Bhima Koregaon case wherein caste based violence took place on January 1, 2018 on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the battle of Bhima Koregaon in Pune. Rao is also accused of having links to Maoists. He has been under custody since August 2018, facing charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.