George Fernandes to remain with wife, brothers can visit: HC

George Fernandes to remain with wife, brothers can visit: HC

M.today

New Delhi, Jul 5 : After a chamber-hearing for over an hour in the custody battle, the Delhi High Court today said the ailing former union minister George Fernandes will stay with his wife Leila Kabir and his brothers can visit him. Justice V K Shali, who held one-on-one discussion with 80-year-old Fernandes suffering from Alzheimer’’s disease, refused to interfere with the present arrangement in which he is under the care of his wife at her residence.

 

 

George Fernandes with wife Leila Kabir, daughter-in-law and grandson- a recent photo

Lawyers from both the sides said that the court has allowed brothers to visit the leader like in the past. The judge, after consulting Kabir and three brothers of Fernandes in his chamber for an hour, said that the case will be taken up for further hearing on July 19.

Fernandes, brought by his wife to the courtroom in a wheelchair, was unable to speak as his supporters and family members tried to talk to him. The leader appeared lost and was not able to walk on his own.

He was helped by security personnel and relatives in being taken to the judge’’s chamber. Wearing a green Kurta and white pyjama with a saffron scarf, the leader reached the court premises at around 14:35 hours and left at 15:50 hours.

 

Fernandes, a pale shadow of himself

Once a fire-brand trade union leader and a rabble rouser, former Union Minister George Fernandes was a pale shadow of himself when he was brought to the court room as he appeared lost and was unable to speak or recognise his kin and friends.

PTI