Elgar Parishad accused Varavara Rao’s condition deteriorating, lawyer tells Bombay High Court

According to clinical findings, Varavara Rao suffers from asymmetrical Parkinsons disease. His handwriting has worsened and he has a severe headache, advocate Anand Grover appearing for Varavara Rao argued in court.

The Bombay High Court has issued a notice to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and authorities of the state prison, seeking their response to the permanent bail application filed by poet Varavara Rao, an accused in the Elgar Parishad case.

Justices SB Shukre and GA Sanap were hearing a bunch of petitions filed by Rao when the notice was issued to the NIA.

“Your honour, he is a poet, and he is having difficulty writing. There are clinical findings that he has asymmetrical Parkinsons disease. Early indications are there. His handwriting has worsened and he has a severe headache,” advocate Anand Grover appearing for Varavara Rao argued.

Rao’s medical report produced in court does not talk about these health issues.

“It is an established medical fact that you don't go by the actual tests. You always go by clinical observation. The test can show anything, but the clinical examination of a person can reveal much,” Grover said.

The court is also hearing another plea by Rao, seeking an extension of the interim medical bail granted to him by the High Court in February 2021. The Court opined that the findings of the earlier Division Bench had attained finality, additionally due to the fact that it had not been challenged before the Supreme Court.

“Why can’t he (Rao) be considered for grant of permanent bail when there is a finding that placing th undertrial in custody is incompatible with his health condition and would risk deterioration of his health to a point of no return?” the Bench asked.