The court hearing the cash-for-votes case on Thursday directed the Tihar Central Jail authorities to submit a report on the jailed Rajya Sabha MP, Amar Singh's health condition on Friday. Resuming arguments on Mr. Singh's bail plea, counsel Hariharan made a strong pitch on medical grounds for the release of the former Samajwadi Party leader, who has been in judicial custody since Tuesday.
Special Judge Sangita Dhingra Sehgal also sought details of the conditions under which Mr. Singh is being held at the jail. “I am calling for a report from the jail superintendent on his health condition and how he is being kept in the jail,” the judge said. Mr. Hariharan said Mr. Singh initially suffered from diabetes, hypertension, tuberculosis, pain in the feet, following which he was on an overdose of painkillers or extended use of medication that led to kidney failure.
“A kidney transplant was advised and it was done in July 2009 in Singapore. Ever since, he goes to Singapore for treatment every 3-4 months. He takes immunosuppressant drugs to prevent rejection of the transplanted kidney. Because of this, his immune system is less able to combat infections. Thereafter, he developed a urinary tract infection, which is recurring and dangerous. He can also die,” Mr. Hariharan said.
