Bombay High Court directs hospital to submit report on Varavara Rao

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday directed the authorities at Mumbai’s Nanavati Hospital to submit a report within three days on the health and medical treatment of poet-activist Varavara Rao, who tested positive for the coronavirus earlier this month, Live Law reported. The 80-year-old’s family had alleged that they were not being informed about his health and had written a letter to the Maharashtra government.

Justices RD Dhanuka and VG Bisht passed the order on a petition filed by Rao’s lawyer, asking that the Taloja Jail in Mumbai produce Rao’s medical records and a detailed report on his health. The court also heard a second petition against the rejection of Rao’s interim medical bail plea by a special National Investigation Agency court.

Rao’s lawyer Sudeep Pasbola told the court that neither the hospital nor the jail authorities were keeping his family updated about his health. “Mr Rao is serious and when the family contacts the jail, they are told call the hospital, and when the hospital is contacted, they are told call the jail,” he said. “What is the secrecy about his health? His family is in Hyderabad so at least a call can be arranged so they can talk to him at the hospital.”