The Madras High Court has directed official authorities to pass suitable orders within a week on a representation by Swami Premananda, who is undergoing double life imprisonment, on medical treatment.
Disposing of a petition by Premananda seeking a direction to the authorities to release him on parole for about three months to obtain treatment in a private hospital, Justice N. Kirubakaran said the petitioner's health condition was considered extraordinary by the court. Therefore, under the rules, the authorities had powers to release him on parole for treatment.
Swami Premananda is in Cuddalore Central Prison after being sentenced to double life imprisonment for a heinous crime. He has been in prison for the past 16 years.
The petitioner contended that his physical condition had deteriorated owing to blood pressure, heart, kidney and liver problems. He had undergone cataract surgery in a government hospital. Even after the operation, he had acute eye problem and his vision was very poor. He required another surgery.
Mr. Justice Kirubakaran said though the petitioner was a life convict, he was entitled to proper medication.
