Bal Thackeray was on medication since 2007: Doctor tells HC

Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray was on medication, including steroids, for lung and heart ailments since November-December 2007, said Dr Jaleel Parkar, who treated him, before the Bombay High Court today.

Dr Parkar was being examined and cross-examined as the High Court is hearing dispute between Thackeray's sons Uddhav and Jaidev over the late leader's will. The will does not bequest anything to Jaidev, Thackeray's estranged son.

Bal Thackeray

The doctor, who treated Thackeray till his death in 2012, specialises in pulmonary medicine. Thackeray was being treated for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder(COPD), he told the court.

During the cross-examination by Seema Sarnaik, counsel for Jaidev, Dr Parkar said Thackeray was on medication, including certain steroids, from 2007.

On a specific question from the court, he said a possible side-effect of prolonged use of steroids was osteoporosis.

Other side-effects were negligible, and included headaches, vertigo, dryness of mouth, he said.

Regular check-ups were done for various organ functions, he added.

Justice Gautam Patel asked him: "Are you suggesting that Thackeray was on this kind of regimen of medication for about five years (prior to his death)?" Dr Parkar replied in the affirmative.

Thackeray was meticulous in taking medicines and about daily habits, the doctor said, adding that he woke up at around 3.30-4 AM, and took walk on the terrace regularly. His examination will continue on March 16.

Jaidev Thackeray has challenged the probate petition filed by Uddhav (to get the will certified as valid) in January 2013 alleging that his father was of "unsound mind" when he signed the will.

One of the issues framed by the court is "whether he was of sound mind at the time of signing of the will". It is in this context that Dr Parkar is being examined in the court.

The senior Thackeray, who passed away on November 17, 2012, left most of his estate to Uddhav.