New Delhi, March 4 The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the AIIMS to conduct a complete medical examination of former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar, after he complained of continuous weight loss during incarceration, and submit a report within a week.
Kumar, a convict in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, is currently undergoing a life sentence.
A bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde and comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and Surya Kant, said Kumar should be produced before the AIIMS hospital board on Thursday, which will conduct a complete examination and then take a decision, if his hospitalisation is required or not.
Senior advocate Vikas Singh, representing Sajjan Kumar, cited his client's deteriorating health and sought immediate interim bail, as he is an old man and vulnerable to major health issues.
The apex court declined to give any immediate relief and slated the matter for next hearing without giving any date.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that Sajjan Kumar was due for a medical examination at AIIMS as per the December 2019 report of the premier medical institute.
The court noted that there is a certificate by Dr Randhir Sud, Chairman, Institute of Digestive & Hepatobiliary Sciences, Medanta-The Medicity, stating Sajjan Kumar needs to be examined in order to rule out major illnesses.
"We, accordingly, direct that Sajjan Kumar be produced before the AIIMS Board on March 5, 2020 at 10.30 a.m," said the top court.
Senior advocate Dushyant Dave, representing one of the riot victims, opposed the interim bail stating that prisoners with severe illness or health issues are receiving proper medical treatment within the jail, and the top court should not allow the system to work for the accused.
"Over 660 innocent people were slaughtered in his constituency... this will not send the right message. Therefore, he shouldn't be given any special treatment like being admitted to a private hospital..this will hurt the community," Dave contended before the court.
Sajjan Kumar, who is 74 years old, in his bail application claimed he has lost nearly 10 kg while serving his term in the jail. His lawyer told the top court told there is a medical certificate by a private doctor, therefore he should be examined completely to rule out any major health issue.
Earlier, this month the top court declined to entertain Sajjan Kumar's plea seeking interim bail, and it had posted the matter for further hearing after Holi break.
Sajjan Kumar is the key accused in the killing of five members of a family in Raj Nagar in Raj Nagar area in 1984. He was convicted on December 17, 2018 by a Delhi court and sentenced to a life term.
( With inputs from IANS )