HC: Fernandes to stay with wife,brothers can visit

After a chamber-hearing for more than an hour,Delhi HC said George Fernandes stay with his wife Leila Kabir.

After a chamber-hearing for more than an hour,Delhi High Court on Monday said former defence minister George Fernandes will stay with his wife Leila Kabir while allowing his two brothers Michael and Richard Fernandes to visit him.

Justice V K Shali,who held one-on-one discussion with Fernandes,80,who is suffering from Alzheimers,refused to interfere with the present arrangement in which he is under the care of his wife. He said the current arrangement would continue till the case was finally decided. The case will now be taken up on July 19.

Fernandes was brought to the courtroom in a wheelchair by his wife. He was unable to speak as his supporters and family members tried to talk to him. He had to be helped to the judges chamber by his relatives and securitymen.

He apparently reflected happiness and clutched her hand to his chest and wanted to say she is related to him,which of course he could not express clearly. But his short interaction with Leila shows he does not nurture any kind of discomfort while being with her, the judge observed.

During the chamber hearing,Fernandess brothers were also present and he apparently seemed to be happy in their company as well, the order read.

As soon as the court proceedings began,the lawyer appearing for the brothers pleaded that it should be conducted in chamber,which was supported by Leilas counsel.

The judge agreed and called Fernandes,his warring kin and their lawyers to his chamber. He then asked the relatives and lawyers to leave his chamber to have a one-on-one discussion with the leader to know his views.

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The court,however,allowed a lawyer to stay to assist it as translator in case Fernandes spoke in Konkani,his mother tongue.

The judge,after consulting with Fernandes,asked his brothers and Leila to come separately to his chamber.

The translator later said Fernandes was seemingly able to understand whatever was being asked but was unable to respond.

She said Fernandes was able to answer only one question coherently when the judge asked him how many brothers he had. She said he was trying to talk to his wife in English and with his brothers in Konkani.