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Synopsis

The Bombay High Court has denied medical bail to DHFL promoter Rakesh Wadhawan, one of the accused in the Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative Bank Fraud Case

Rakesh Wadhawan and his son Sarang Wadhwan were accused of fraudulently obtaining loans amounting to Rs 2,558 crore from PMC Bank and failing to repay the due amount of Rs. 4,435 crore along with interest.

Justice Bharathi Dangre was hearing the medical bail plea filed by the DHFL promoter, who was booked in the fraud case involving Punjab and Maharashtra Co-operative Bank.

The high court directed the dean of JJ Hospital to depute a male nurse and physiotherapist at the Arthur Road prison for Wadhawan's treatment.

The high court had earlier directed Wadhawan to be admitted to JJ Hospital and conduct an examination and submit the medical reports.

The report submitted to the high court stated that Wadhawan needed continuous medication and management for multiple chronic illnesses, including diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, heart disease, depressive disorder, and urinary tract infections.

The Chief Medical Officer informed the bench that there were 70-80 patients and only two MBBS doctors. He also mentioned that there was no other support or nursing staff available.

The high court directed the prison authorities to provide a separate bed to Wadhawan for his bedsores and stated that necessary arrangements should be made at the jail by October 30 once he is discharged from the hospital.

The bench, in its order, recorded that the release of Wadhawan on the grounds of his medical ailment does not deserve any consideration.

“For his release on bail on medical grounds, unless it is pointed out that he is required to undergo a particular process or procedure for curing any ailment, I do not think the relief prayed deserves to be granted. Medication is the only solution which is offered as on date, unless in future for dealing with a particular issue he require some hospitalization. Hence, I am of the opinion that, at this stage, release of the Applicant on the ground of his medical ailment do not deserve any consideration and I am not inclined to grant the said request,” the order stated.

Case title: Rakesh Kumar Wadhawan vs State of Maharashtra