The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought medical records of Kerala-based journalist Siddique Kappan, who is undergoing treatment for Covid-19 at a Mathura hospital, while hearing pleas over grant of bail and transfer of the patient to AIIMS.
“Let us first see the reports. Please produce medical reports tomorrow. If possible, circulate it today,” Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, heading a three-judge bench told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta as per the Live Law.
Kappan was arrested last September by the Uttar Pradesh police during his way to Hathras where a minor Dalit girl was allegedly raped, assaulted and killed by higher-caste men.
As per the police, Kappan was allegedly associated with Popular Front of India and wanted to create unrest at Hathras. He was booked under stringent UAPA act.
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The journalist, lodged in Mathura jail, tested positive for Covid-19 and was admitted to a hospital for treatment. His wife, Raihanath Kappan, has written a letter to the Apex Court alleging that his husband has been chained like an animal in a cot of the Medical College Hospital, Mathura, without mobility, and that he is not able to take food, go to the toilet for four days, and is very critical.
She has sought immediate intervention by the Apex Court to release Kappan as his “life is in extreme danger”.
The letter also stated that the bail plea filed on October 6, 2020, which was supposed to be disposed of on March 9, 2021, had not been disposed despite being listed more than seven times.
Another plea has been filed by Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) seeking Kappan’s transfer to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) or Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi, in view of a medical emergency.
The CJI stated that he will hear the matter himself. “We will hear this matter. Don’t know why you want to restrict your prayers. We are hearing this.” the CJI said.
