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YB WEB DESK. Dated: 1/15/2021 11:25:05 AM

Remember Varavara Rao’s age, health, High Court reminds lawyers

Mumbai, Jan 14 The Bombay High Court has asked lawyers appearing in the bail plea of Bhima Koregaon case accused Dr Varavara Rao that they should adopt a humanitarian approach while arguing their case in view of Dr. Rao’s deteriorating health and advanced age. The division bench of Justices S.S. Shinde and Manish Pitale told both the counsels, “You also make sure to keep in mind the age and health of Dr Rao. He is above 80 years old. Ensure your submissions take this into account.” The court was hearing Rao’s plea seeking bail on medical grounds along with the plea filed by his wife, Pendyala Hemalatha, seeking the Court’s intervention in the alleged violation of her husband’s fundamental right. Advocate R. Sathyanarayanan, appearing for Rao, asked the Court for some time to study the reports before making their submissions, when Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh submitted that Nanavati Hospital had issued fresh medical reports of Rao in a sealed envelope. “We direct the Registry to serve copy of medical report received from Dr Balabhai Nanavati Hospital, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai to learned counsel appearing for the respective parties, during the course of the day. List the matter on 19.01.2021, at 2.30 p.m. Adinterim relief granted earlier to continue till then,” the order reads. Earlier, the Bench had taken a humanitarian approach in the same matter when directions were issued for Rao’s immediate transfer from Taloja Jail to Nanavati Hospital due to his deteriorating health condition.