New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Monday said that there was no need for ailing former defence minister George Fernandes to change his residence and allowed his wife to take care of him till July 19.
After a one-hour in-chamber hearing, Justice V K Shali directed the socialist leader's wife Leila Kabir to continue nursing him.
The court announced the decision after a hearing attended by Fernandes, Kabir and his two brothers. Along with his family members, an interpreter and a priest were also present in the court.
The court was hearing a petition filed by Fernandes' brothers, Richard and Michael, seeking custody of their brother alleging that the former convener of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease, was not being properly treated by Kabir.
Fernandes, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease was seen talking to Kabir and brothers in English. His brothers, however, talked to him in Konkani while he responded in English.
His brothers claimed that he recognized them. "He is not very well. He needs proper medical attention," they said.
Fernandes, brought by his wife to the courtroom in a wheelchair, was helped by security personnel and relatives in being taken to the judge's chamber.
Wearing a green kurta and white pyjama with a saffron scarf, the leader reached the court premises at around 14:35 hours and left at 15:50 hours.
"The court wants to ascertain what he wants -- the court wants to know what is in his mind to settle the issue," Shali said.
An application was also filed by his brothers seeking the constitution of a medical board to assess his health condition.
The family members of the leader are fighting a legal battle for getting his custody.
His brothers have alleged that Kabir was not allowing them access to the veteran leader. They also alleged that she was staying separately from Fernandes for the past 25 years and had now come back to him as she was eyeing his property.
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