The Delhi high court on Monday directed former Union minister George Fernandes to continue living with his wife, and allowed his brothers to meet him at his residence, following a four-month-old tiff.
Eighty-year-old Fernandes appeared in court on a wheelchair, accompanied by wife Leila Kabir, and justice VK Shali met him in his chamber for over 15 minutes, in a bid to solve the custody battle between his wife and brothers.
After hearing Fernandes, the judge felt he was happy with both sides, and directed that the arrangement continue. He slated the matter for further hearing on July 19 and directed the brothers to visit him at his residence. “During the hearing, he appeared to be lost and was unable to recognise anyone. He was not able to speak one sentence completely, and was murmuring,” said Triveni Paotekar, the interpreter.
Wearing a green kurta and white pyjama, with a saffron scarf around his neck, Fernandes, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, showed no emotions during his hour-long presence in court.
He could not reply coherently to the judge’s queries, but when asked how many brothers he has, he feebly replied: Six. The judge, after talking to Fernandes, called his wife and brothers to his chamber separately. Fernandes held his wife’s hand to his chest during the meeting with her.
“Fernandes was seemingly able to understand whatever was being asked, but was unable to respond. His voice was not understandable,” Triveni added.
On July 1, the court had told Kabir to present Fernandes before it, and said, “The person who, due to some incapability, was not able to be heard, the court wants to know what is on his mind, to settle the issue.”
The family is fighting a legal battle for his custody. His brothers have alleged that Kabir was not allowing them access. They also claimed she was living separately for 25 years and had now returned eyeing his property.
