SC denies interim bail to 1984 anti-Sikh riots convict

The apex court today refused to hear the application for interim bail filed by Mahender Singh Yadav, a convict in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots on the grounds that he was COVID-19 positive. The court said that COVID-19 patients are generally not allowed visitors and hence refused to entertain the application.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to entertain an application for bail filed by 1984 anti-Sikh riots convict Mahender Singh Yadav.

Yadav had sought interim bail on the grounds of being COVID-19 positive. His lawyer Basant Phoolka told the court today that he is in ICU.

Two constables are posted outside his ward and his relatives also want to visit him, the lawyer added.

Justice Indira Banerjee responded saying that as per the rules, a patient is not allowed to have visitors and they cannot make an exception in his case just because he is under detention.

Relatives of a COVID-19 patient are not generally allowed in hospital.

The court further pointed out that Yadav's application does not point out any grievance related to treatment and there is no specific suggestions by his relatives for the state to take.

Observing that common rules have to be followed, and that nowhere are the relatives of a COVID-19 patient allowed to visit, the court refused to entertain the bail application.

Read: 1984 riots survivors say they still await justice