New Delhi: The warring family members of
ailing former union minister George Fernandes have failed to
resolve the dispute between them over access to him after
which the Delhi High Court said it will pass an appropriate
order as there is no possibility of any settlement.
"I assume the settlement is not possible. At this
stage, it is not possible to arrive at any conclusion,"
Justice V K Shali said posting matter for further arguments on
June 3.
The High Court had yesterday asked the family members to
explore the possibility of resolving the dispute amicably and
provide best medical treatment to the 78-year-old socialist
leader suffering from Alzheimer`s disease.
The brothers of Fernandes -- Richard and Machael--have
approached the High Court alleging that Leila Kabir, wife of
the veteran leader, was not allowing them to have unfettered
access to their brother.
When the proceedings commenced today, senior advocate
Aman Lekhi, appearing for Leila, said she has agreed to allow
the brothers-in-law to make a day-long visit to her husband
twice a month and indicated that Jaya Jaitley, a close aide of
Fernandes, who is not a party in the matter, will not be
allowed to have a visiting right.
"She has no objection to allow them (brothers) to
accompany the doctor who is treating her husband and there is
no plan to take him abroad at the moment.
"But people who are not party before this court want
to take the visiting right which will not be allowed," the
lawyer told the court indicating that Jaitley would be kept
away from meeting Fernandes.
However, senior advocate K N Balgopal, appearing for the
brothers, said the court should appoint commissioners who can
meet and speak to Fernandes.
He said even the brothers want to meet Fernandes in
private.
"We want to talk to our brother in private and we
would like to know what he wants at this stage," the advocate
said adding "we (brothers) want to give the best environment
while talking to him".
"We have a right to know what he wants. If he wants to
come to court...," the counsel said adding all these things
can be answered only if a court commissioner is appointed.
Taking note of the submission, the High Court asked the
counsel to file an application about their plea for
appointment of a court commissioner.
PTI
