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Category: Persecution

Govt Too Is Responsible for Rao’s Failing Health / Rao’s Treatment Raises Questions

Govt Too Is Responsible for Rao’s Failing Health / Rao’s Treatment Raises Questions


Drawing by Arun Ferreira

Not Just NIA, Maharashtra Govt Too Is Responsible for Varavara Rao’s Failing Health

21/11/2020

The Wire / by Sukanya Shantha

While the state government has spoken against the wrongful arrests of activists in the Elgar Parishad case, it did very little to provide timely medical care.
Telugu poet, writer and activist Varavara Rao was 78 years old when the Pune police arrested him in August 2018. At the time of his arrest, Rao was already suffering from several age-related health issues. His prolonged incarceration, coupled with the lack of medical care in prison and the sudden outbreak of COVID-19, has exacerbated his condition even further.
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Podcast: Why Varavara Rao’s Treatment Raises Questions on Civil Liberties

21/11/2020

The Quint / by Mghna Prakash

At a time of a pandemic are states acting responsibly with prisoners?
The Bombay High Court finally allowed 80-year-old Varavara Rao to be shifted from Taloja Jail to Nanavati Hospital for 15 days for medical treatment on 18 November… But why did it take so much active intervention in order for Rao to be treated and transferred to Nanavati Hospital? At a time of a pandemic are states acting responsibly with prisoners?
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Arnab Goswami and Varavara Rao, Unequal Citizens Before the Law

21/11/2020

The Wire / by N Venugopal Rao

While Goswami could move three levels of courts in quick succession within a week to secure his release, Rao has languished in jail in a fabricated case for two years, without trial and without bail.
Article 14 of the Indian constitution that “we, the people of India” conferred upon ourselves proclaims that “the state shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.”
But it seems this proviso is only a lofty goal enshrined in the statute, to be adhered to selectively.
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Article 32: Rights for All or For a Favoured Few?

21/11/2020

The Wire / by M Sridhar Acharyulu

Arnab Goswami’s case seems to have been an exceptional one where the SC felt it needed to intervene. It felt no such compunction in the case of Varavara Rao and countless others.
When the law becomes a weapon of oppression rather than an equalising force, democracy is in danger. Article 32 deals with the ‘Right to Constitutional Remedies’, and affirms the right of an individual to move the Supreme Court (SC) by appropriate proceedings for the enforcement of the rights conferred in Part III of the constitution.
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PUDR: Case a conspiracy to undermine Varavara Rao’s right to life / Access to Healthcare in Prison

PUDR: Case a conspiracy to undermine Varavara Rao’s right to life / Access to Healthcare in Prison

Elgar Parishad case a conspiracy to undermine Varavara Rao’s right to life, says rights group

19/11/2020

Scroll.in / by Scroll Staff

The Peoples Union of Democratic Rights (PUDR) pointed out that Rao has still not been granted bail, but was only allowed the right to proper medical care.
The Peoples Union of Democratic Rights on Thursday demanded the immediate release of Telugu poet and activist Varavara Rao, who was arrested two years ago in connection with the Bhima Koregaon case. The group said the Centre’s ongoing inquiry into the Elgar Parishad conclave of 2017 was a conspiracy that has sought to undermine the 80-year-old’s right to life and was “taking away his human right to dignity”.
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Why did Varavara Rao Petition Courts for Access to Basic Healthcare in Prison?

19/11/2020

The Leaflet / by Megha Katheria

While state apathy and inefficiency may cost Varavara Rao his life, his shifting to Nanavati Hospital does little to assure that no other prisoner will meet the same fate in the future.
THE Bombay High Court has ordered the Maharashtra Government to shift the 81-year-old poet and activist Varavara Rao to Nanavati Hospital for treatment. The state has also been warned against shifting him out of Nanavati without informing the court. This comes at the end of a long legal battle fought by P Hemalatha, Rao’s wife, spanning over three months only to secure basic treatment for him as he is seriously ailing.
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Varavara Rao shifted to Nanavati Hospital, condition stable

Varavara Rao shifted to Nanavati Hospital, condition stable

Hindustan Times / by HT Correspondent

In July, Rao had undergone treatment at the state-run St George Hospital after he had tested positive for Covid-19. His neurological complications had flared up during the course of the treatment for the viral infection.
Poet-activist Varavara Rao (81), who has been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, for his alleged involvement in the Elgar Parishad and Bhima Koregaon case, was shifted to the general ward of Nanavati Hospital on Wednesday night for the next 15 days from Taloja Jail in Navi Mumbai, as per the instructions of the Bombay high court (HC).
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Bombay High Court Orders To Shift Varavara Rao To Nanavati Hospital From Prison [Read order]

Bombay High Court Orders To Shift Varavara Rao To Nanavati Hospital From Prison [Read order]

‘He’s Almost On Deathbed’: Bombay High Court Orders To Shift Varavara Rao To Nanavati Hospital From Prison

18/11/2020

Live Law / by Nitish Kshyap

Taking note of the critical medical condition of the 81-year old undertrial Varavara Rao, the Bombay High Court on Wednesday directed that he be shifted to Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital from Taloja Jail, for 15 days for a thorough check-up.
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+++ By Live Law: Bombay High Court allowing the shifting of Varavara Rao from Taloja prison to Nanavati Hospital. Court has also ordered that he shouldn’t be discharged without informing it.+++
Read order here

„What is the price we pay if he is acqutted?“ Indira Jaising during Varavara Rao´s bail hering in Bombay High Court

18/11/2020

Bar & Bench / by Bar & Bench

Jaising today confined her arguments to interim relief that Rao be shifted out of the jail hospital and to Nanavati hospital for tests and treatment.
The Bombay High Court today directed the immediate transfer of poet activist Dr Varavara Rao, an accused in the Bhima Koregaon case, from Taloja jail to the Nanavati hospital for medical examinations and treatment in view of concerns over his deteriorating health condition.
… Read a live account of the hearing today.
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Video: VV Rao to be admitted to Nanavati hospital for treatment a small relief, says Venugopal Rao


en | 7:25 min | 2020

India Ahead News / India Ahead News talks with Venugopal Rao

Bhima Koregaon case accused Varavara Rao’s kin Venugopal Rao calls #Bombay #HighCourt allowing him to be admitted to Nanavati hospital for treatment a small relief, says family was expecting bail.
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“DON’T SHIFT HIM BACK TO JAIL WITHOUT INFORMING THE COURT”: MUMBAI HIGH COURT DIRECTS N.I.A.

18/11/2020

Release the Poet / by N Venugopal

Mumbai High Court directs the government to shift poet Varavara Rao to Nanavati Hospital immediately for examinations and treatment for multiple issues of kidney, liver, heart and brain as the medical reports of November 13 and 17 revealed. Initially the government was asked to keep him in the hospital for 15 days. The government was also asked not to shift him back to jail, without informing the court. The court also allowed family members to visit VV, as per the hospital protocols.
N Venugopal

Varavara Rao’s medical report a ‘complete eyewash’, Indira Jaising Tells HC / Bail Plea Adjourned Till Tomorrow

Varavara Rao’s medical report a ‘complete eyewash’, Indira Jaising Tells HC / Bail Plea Adjourned Till Tomorrow

Varavara Rao Not Seen By Experts; His Medical Report Complete Eyewash’ : Indira Jaising Tells Bombay High Court

17/11/2020

Live Law / by Livelaw News Network

The medical report prepared by the doctors of Nanavati hospital after examining 81-year old undertrial Varavara Rao through video call is a ‘complete eyewash’, said his lawyer Senior Advocate Indira Jaising in the Bombay High Court on Tuesday.
Jaising raised serious objections against the medical report.
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HC asks Maharashtra government to provide Varavara Rao’s medical report to his wife

17/11/2020

Hindustan Times / by KAY Dohiya

The directions were issued after senior counsel Indira Jaising informed the court that the report provided to them on Tuesday afternoon was incomplete and did not have any details of the tests done on Rao.
The Bombay high court has directed Maharashtra to provide details of the examination conducted by the doctors of Nanavati Hospital through video consultation on 81-year-old Telugu poet P Varavara Rao to his wife. The latter has petitioned the court to shift the Bhima Koregaon accused from Taloja jail to Nanavati Hospital.
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Bombay HC to Hear Plea to Shift Varavara Rao to Hospital on Wed

17/11/2020

The Quint / by Vakasha Sachdev

Doctors from Nanavati Hospital assessed Rao’s condition on 13 November via teleconsultation, report submitted to HC.
The Bombay High Court will continue to hear the petitions filed by 80-year-old Varavara Rao at 11 am on Wednesday, 18 November, including the request to transfer him to Nanavati Hospital for treatment while his medical and humanitarian bail pleas are considered by the court.
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After audio difficultiers in virual court, Bombay High Court to hold physical sitting tomorrow

17/11/2020

Bar & Bench / by Neha Joshi

The Bench of Justices SS Shinde and Madhav Jamdar adjourned the matter today after experiencing audio reception difficulties during the virtual hearing today.
The plea seeking the release of poet-activist Dr Varavara Rao on medical bail and allied prayers will be heard by the Bombay High Court in physical court tomorrow.
The matter was taken up today afternoon following the last hearing on November 12. However, it was adjourned to tomorrow following a brief hearing as the Bench was unable to clearly hear submissions made by Rao’s counsel, Indira Jaising during the video conference hearing today.
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What About Personal Liberty Of Sudha Bharadwaj, Anand Teltumbde, VV Rao & Stan Swamy?

What About Personal Liberty Of Sudha Bharadwaj, Anand Teltumbde, VV Rao & Stan Swamy?

SC Protects Arnab’s Personal Liberty, Why Not Sudha Bharadwaj’s?

15/11/2020

Kashimir Pen / by Web Desk

Leading human rights and constitutional lawyer Karuna Nundy applauded the Supreme Court for acting out its self-professed role as ‘sentinel on the qui vive’ and protecting personal liberty when ordering Arnab Goswami’s release on interim bail – but had some tough questions about the consistency of the court’s approach.
She noted that even though the Republic editor-in-chief had not only damaged people’s reputations by calling them terrorists and anti-nationals, and actually influenced the taking of state action against them – from Umar Khalid to the Bhima Koregaon accused – it was still a good thing that his case was heard on a priority basis by the apex court.
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Video: SC Protects Arnab’s Personal Liberty, But What About Sudha Bharadwaj’s?

13/11/2020


en | 7:32min | 2020

The Quint / by The Quint

Supreme Court advocate Karuna Nundy explains why there are concerns over the consistency with which the apex court will apply its order granting Arnab Goswami interim bail, with Sudha Bharadwaj’s case a prime example.
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Video: What About Liberty Of Anand Teltumbde, Varavara Rao, Stan Swamy, Asks Kapil Sibal

12/11/2020


en | 11:23min | 2020

NDTV / by NDTV

The Supreme Court’s order on Wednesday in the Arnab Goswami case has major implications beyond just this one instance. Justice Chandrachud observed, “Forget Arnab Goswami for a moment, we are a Constitutional court…. If we as a Constitutional Court do not lay down law and protect liberty, then who will?” He went on to add, “If we don’t interfere in this case today, we will walk on path of destruction. You may differ in ideology but Constitutional courts will have to protect such freedoms…” The remarks come at a time when thousands languish in jails in want of bail. These include the old and the infirm, like 81-year-old Varavara Rao accused in the Bhima-Koregaon case and Father Stan Swamy who suffers from Parkinson’s.
After the Supreme Court’s observations that ‘constitutional courts have to protect freedoms’, will this set a precedent in other pending cases as well? We speak to senior advocate and Congress MP Kapil Sibal who was in Supreme Court in connection with this case.
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Why are inmates unable to access basic facilities in Indian prisons?

Why are inmates unable to access basic facilities in Indian prisons?


Drawing by Arun Ferreira

Scroll.in / by Vijayta Lalwani

According to prison manuals, jail authorities are responsible for ensuring food, clothing and health facilities to inmates.
On November 6, activist Stan Swamy filed an application in a special court in Mumbai requesting access to use a straw and a sipper… When he was arrested in Ranchi, Jharkhand, he carried a small bag with himself that contained a few of his belongings as well as a straw and a sipper, said his lawyer Sharif Sheikh. However, after the arrest, the bag was left with the National Investigation Agency, which is probing the case.
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Varavara Rao denied bail till Nov 17, Bombay HC directs immediate medical examination

Varavara Rao denied bail till Nov 17, Bombay HC directs immediate medical examination


Pic: Mumbai Rises to Save Democracy

Bombay High Court orders medical exam to gauge Dr Varavara Rao’s health status, bail plea to be taken up next on Nov 17

12/11/2020

Bar & Bench / by Neha Joshi

The Court has directed a team from Nanavati hospital to conduct the medical exam, if possible today, adding that a physical exam may be conducted if the team feels an exam via video call is not possible.
The Bombay High Court today directed that a medical examination be conducted to gauge the health status of poet-activist Dr Varavara Rao, who is presently detained in Taloja jail following his arrest in connection with the Bhima Koregaon case in 2018.
The Court has added that the exam be conducted via video today itself, if possible, with the participation of doctors from the Nanavati Hospital who had earlier issued a report on Rao’s condition.
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Bombay High Court Directs Immediate Medical Examination Of Varavara Rao To Consider Prayer For Shifting To Hospital

12/11/2020

Live Law / by Nitish Kashyap

The Bombay High Court on Thursday directed immediate medical examination of 81-year-old Varavara Rao, lodged in Taloja jail in the Bhima Koregaon case, to ascertain whether he needs to be shifted to Nanavati Hospital.
The Court directed that a panel of doctors from Nanavati Hospital should examine him via video call immediately, either today itself or at the latest by tomorrow morning. If the doctors form the opinion after the video call that physical examination of the undertrial is needed, the same should be done immediately.
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Pleading ‘degrading and inhuman treatment’ of ailing Varavara Rao; petition seeking poet’s transfer to Nanavati hospital to be heard by Bombay HC today

12/11/2020

The Leaflet / by The Leaflet

The Bombay High Court will hear today at 3 pm the plea filed Pendyala Hemalatha, the wife of Dr Varavara Rao, alleging violation of the Right to Life, Dignity and Health of her husband on account of the ‘degrading’ and ‘inhumane’ treatment being meted out to Dr. Rao in Tajolia jail.
Senior Advocate Indira Jaising will represent the petitioner before the High Court.
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Bombay HC directs Varavara Rao’s medical examination via video link

12/11/2020

The Leaflet / by The Leaflet

The Bombay High Court Thursday ordered a medical examination of Dr. Varavara Rao through video by the doctors of Nanavati hospital to gauge the present medical health of Dr. Rao, whose condition, according to his wife, has been deteriorating…
Earlier this year, the poet-activist’s deteriorating health condition had caused national and international outrage after his family pleaded to save him from dying in jail. The poet is lodged in Taloja jail’s hospital which according to his wife, lacks medical facilities and is grossly ill-equipped to provide him with the care that he needs.
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