Family can meet Rao, subject to hospital and govt protocol: HC

Court directs Nanavati Hospital to submit report on the 81-year-old poet's health

In a temporary reprieve for the family of jailed poet Varavara Rao, the Bombay High Court on Tuesday allowed them to meet him at the suburban Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital. The HC, however, said that the family could meet Rao, who is admitted in the Covid19 ward, subject to the hospital protocol.

A bench of Justices Ramesh Dhanuka and Virendrasingh Bisht also said the family will have to abide by the nor ms of the Maharashtra gover nment in respect of Covid patients.

The judges were dealing with a plea filed by Rao's family seeking per mission to meet him in the Covid ward at Nanavati Hospital, Vile Parle. They also sought a fresh report spelling out his health status.

On Tuesday, when the matter came up for hearing, additional solicitor general (ASG) Anil Singh, appearing for NIA told the judges that the central investigation agency has no objection on the family visiting Rao in the hospital.

Accepting his statement, Justice Dhanuka said, "The family members are permitted to visit Rao, who is admitted in Nanavati Hospital. However, subject to the hospital protocol and in accordance with the gover nment nor ms in respect of the Covid patient."

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra gover nment told the judges that the state has no objection if the hospital submits a report detailing the present status of Rao's health.

The judges accepted the statement and accoridngly ordered Nanavati hospital to submit the report on Rao's health. The judges, however, said that they would decide later, on whether the report could be given to Rao's family or not.