Practice of accused walking to court and getting collapsed on hearing verdict should be stopped: HC

Kochi: The usual practice of high-profile accused walking easily to court and collapsing following the announcement of the verdict should be stopped, said the Kerala High Court. This severe and interesting remark was made by the court while considering the petition of KN Anandakumar, Founder and Executive Director of the Sri Sathya Sai Orphanage Trust, in a case related to a fraud involving the half-price scam.

The court made this observation after reviewing several cases. Anandakumar is the second accused in the half-price scam case. He had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, but following a court order, he was transferred to the Poojappura Central Jail the day before. This context prompted the court’s comment.

The High Court pointed out that some accused individuals are attempting to use their health issues to delay the process of justice. While some do have genuine health problems, others seem to collapse only when it is time for them to be sent to jail. The court also asked the Jail DGP to submit a report clarifying how effective the treatment facilities are in the state’s jails.

After the Thiruvananthapuram Principal Sessions Court rejected his bail application, the Crime Branch took Anandakumar into custody at his residence. He was moved to a hospital for a medical examination after claiming to be receiving treatment.