MUMBAI: NCP functionary and Maharashtra minority development minister Nawab Malik in jail since February in a money laundering case, has sought interim medical bail for six weeks, citing his ailments and “inhuman conditions in jail”, which his plea said make it evident that a serious threat is posed to the inmates and jail staff.
“Jails in Maharashtra have poor hygiene, there is absence of any real and adequate medical facilities and they are overcrowded. It is almost impossible to maintain a sterile sanitised environment inside the jail, which is essential for proper recuperation and well-being of the applicant (Malik),” his plea said. The special court has directed the prosecution to submit its reply on Monday.
Malik’s plea said that he been recently advised to undergo surgery for treating cysts in his kidneys. “The surgery and post-operation care is required to be handled with care and caution in a safe hygienic place. The prolonged judicial custody in his precarious condition is aggravating the health of the applicant.. and it is necessary that to secure appropriate treatment, he be released on bail for a period of six weeks to secure the appropriate treatment,” the plea said.
Referring to jail conditions, the 62-year-old’s plea pointed to a report by The National Human Rights Commission published in 2018, following a visit to Arthur Road Jail. “Arthur Road Jail has more than 3,000 inmates (which has a capacity to hold only 804 inmates), an acute shortage of hospital beds, no X-ray technician, lack of jail staff and a shortage of doctors..,” the plea said.
—Rebecca Samervel
