Acting on a PIL, a two-member bench has issued Victoria Hospital's medical superintendent a show-cause notice over Halappa's 45-day stay
Acting on a PIL, a two-member bench has issued Victoria Hospital's medical superintendent a show-cause notice over Halappa's 45-day stayWhile former minister Hartalu Halappa has got bail, the medical superintendent of Victoria Hospital, who allegedly helped him stay in the hospital during trial, is in a fix with the court asking for an explanation.
Dr B G Tilak, medical superintendent, Victoria Hospital has to answer a show-cause notice issued by the court, on July 1, about why he had not furnished the details on Halappa's health that led to his hospital stay for more than 45 days.
|
| Tainted former minister Hartalu Halappa was allegedly evading a jail stay as an undertrial, citing health problems, is in the VIP ward of Victoria Hospital. |
|
Hearing a PIL filed by K Raghavendra, a city based lawyer, a two-member bench, comprising of Justice V G Sabayat and Justice K G Bopiah called for Halappa's health report on June 23.
When the hospital failed to produce the report, the court issued a show-cause notice asking for a personal explanation from Tilak, on June 25.
Not satisfiedWhen the court heard the case on June 25 again, the bench was not satisfied with the explanation given by
Dr Mallikarjuna, in-charge medical superintendent of the hospital, on behalf of Tilak, as the latter was out of country for a conference.
The bench observed that the government lawyers were acting in favour of Halappa, and threatened that it would take action against Tilak on charges of contempt of court.
As per the court orders, Tilak has to submit the affidavit on June 30, explaining the delay in producing the report before appearing before the court for hearing on 1 July.
"Apart from the hospital defending Halappa's long stay, the failure of Tilak explaining his non-compliance with the show-cause notice has become a more important issue," said Raghavendra. "I believe he is in serious trouble."
Tilak, who just landed in Bangalore after his foreign tour was not available for comment. The onus also lies on the government lawyers to explain before the court.
"We are still undecided," said A M Nataraj, additional advocate general. "We will discuss the issue with Tilak and decide on the plan of action."
u00a0"I hope this will put an end to manipulators in the government who help out criminals with high influence," said Raghavendra.
| Halappa will stay for some more time |
| Halappa is unlikely to go home immediately as the hospital wants to justify his long stay saying he was really ill. "If given reasons like fever and blood pressure, the court will surely admonish us," said a senior doctor at Victoria Hospital. Authorities said that Tilak had taken Halappa's personal responsibility and he will decide on the timing of his discharge. |
