New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday extended till the next week its earlier order granting interim medical bail to M. Sivasankar, the former Principal Secretary to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in connection with the money laundering charges levelled against him in the LIFE Mission case.

A bench presided over by Justice M.M. Sundresh extended the interim relief after it was apprised that Sivasankar recently reported to Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER) Pondicherry for medical examination. The apex court will consider the medical report next week. 

According to a copy of the medical report obtained by Mathrubhumi News, Sivasankar has a degenerative spine condition that requires immediate medical attention. The medical board also recommended painkillers, physiotherapy, and using back & neck braces for pain relief. The report also says that the patient should avoid physical activity such as lifting weights and standing for a lengthy period of time. Furthermore, surgery is recommended if necessary. 

On December 8, 2023, the apex court had asked the retired bureaucrat to undergo a medical examination at Pondicherry’s JIPMER after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) demanded that Sivasankar be examined in any government hospital outside Kerala.

The anti-money laundering agency had opposed the extension of interim bail on medical grounds saying that Sivasankar's application is based on certifications issued by private hospitals.

In August last year, the Supreme Court ordered the release of the applicant on interim bail after his counsel pointed out that Sivasankar had serious health issues and needed expert treatment. ( with inputs from IANS)