Kerala High Court Criticizes Bail for Influential Accused on Medical Grounds

Synopsis

The Kerala High Court has voiced its dissatisfaction over influential accused individuals obtaining bail on medical grounds, referring to it as 'medical tourism'. This comment arose during the review of bail requests related to a significant CSR funds scam affecting thousands of victims.

Key Takeaways

The Kerala High Court criticized the trend of influential individuals securing bail on medical grounds.
The court referred to this practice as 'medical tourism'.
Bail applications were discussed concerning a major CSR funds scam.
Two main suspects have been arrested in connection with the scam.
The court has mandated further hearings on the bail pleas.

Kochi, March 19 (NationPress) The Kerala High Court expressed its frustration on Wednesday regarding the increasing instances of influential individuals obtaining bail on medical grounds, labeling it as medical tourism.

This remark came during the consideration of bail applications for the two primary suspects in the notorious Kerala CSR funds scam, which, as stated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, amounts to Rs 231 crore and has affected 48,384 people. To date, 1,343 cases have been registered.

Currently, two arrests have been made, including 28-year-old Ananthu Krishnan, who is alleged to be the mastermind behind the extensive scam, and K.N. Anand Kumar, the Chairman of the NGO Confederation and a prominent social activist in Kerala.

During the bail hearings, Anand Kumar's attorney informed the court that he was hospitalized due to cardiac problems and requested bail on medical grounds. The judge responded, stating: "I will not entertain that medical claim unless the prosecutor confirms that necessary medical care is unavailable in jail... The bail requests from influential individuals in Kerala are turning into medical tourism... Let me know if he requires any other medical treatment not available in jail."

The court further referenced BJP leader PC George, who was granted bail on medical grounds in a hate speech case. The judge remarked, "After his release, his son joyfully stated to the complainants that my father typically does not visit the hospital. This is medical tourism. His son openly told the media, 'I am so happy.' This indirectly comments on the judiciary. This is medical tourism in Kerala."

The scam, orchestrated by a group led by the two arrested individuals, involved misleading victims by promoting high-value consumer goods—such as scooters, laptops, and sewing machines—at half the market price under the pretense of a CSR initiative.

The court has now instructed Anand Kumar's legal representative to either prove that the treatment he needs is unavailable in jail or to present arguments based on reasons other than medical ones. The case has been scheduled for further hearing on Thursday, with bail decision orders anticipated.