File photo of poet-activist Vavaravara Rao
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court declined to grant immediate release for 81 year old poet Varavara Rao who has been lodged in Tanoja Jail after his arrest in August 2018 in connection with Bhima Koregaon case.
Senior Advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for Varavara Rao's wife, brought to the notice of the court the deteriorating health condition of the octogenarian.
The court directed that a panel of doctors from Nanavati Hospital should examine Varavara Rao via video call at the earliest, latest by tomorrow morning. Even though Indira Jaising pleaded for arrangements for physical examination, the court said that it should be done if the doctors form the opinion after the video call.
The court also declined a request for listing of the case for Friday and posted the matter for hearing on November 17.
The Supreme Court on October 29 had asked the Bombay High Court to decide the matter within 15 days, after expressing concern over delay in considering the plea of the petitioner whose health is deteriorating.
Varavara Rao has been under NIA's custody since his arrest, facing charges under the UAPA for alleged links with Maoists in the Bhima Koregaon case.