The Delhi High Court on Friday dismissed former Finance Minister P Chidambaram’s request for interim bail in the INX Media case on health grounds after the AIIMS Medical Board informed the court that the senior Congress leader’s health condition is fine and he does not require hospitalisation.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta read out the report of the medical board, set up on the court’s order to examine Chidambaram’s health condition, and told Justice Suresh Kait that the Congress leader was examined by the doctors in the morning and does not require a sterile environment.
This development has come as a setback for Chidambaram, who was knocking at all legal forums to get out of the prison. After the examination of the medical report, the court rejected the interim bail petition of the former Minister, who cited Crohn disease and wanted to be treated in Hyderabad.
Crohn’s disease refers to the inflammation of the digestive tract leading to abdominal pain, diarrhoea and also weight loss. On Thursday, Chidambaram’s lawyer Kapil Sibal argued that Crohn’s disease may lead to cancer, narrating the “pathetic” medical condition of Chidambaram.
The HC will hear his regular bail petition on Monday in the Enforcement Directorate’s case related to money laundering in the INX Media case. The court, however, directed the Tihar Jail Superintendent that the surroundings of Chidambaram in jail should be clean and hygienic.
He should be provided home-cooked food, mineral water, mosquito protection net and repellant and that his dwelling area be cleaned twice a day, the HC said. The court added that he should be provided face mask which he can wear, if the need arises.
Besides, the judge directed that Chidambaram’s regular blood pressure monitoring, sugar test and other medical tests should be done and periodical follow up as an outpatient be done once a week. The court disposed of the plea after senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Chidambaram, said they do not require any further direction.