Doctor issues Certificate for parole: Karnataka High Court directs Medical Council to probe

Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court has directed the Indian Medical Council to conduct an inquiry to check into the medical certificate issued by the managing director of a private hospital to a convict who mandated his presence in the hospital to look after his mother.

The mother of the convict is reported to be admitted in the hospital for treatment.

According to recent media reports, the order was passed by a single judge bench of Justice Suraj Govindaraj who dismissed the petition filed by the convict questioning the endorsement issued by the prison authorities and seeking directions for release on parole.

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The convict, Vasudeva alias Vasu was lodged in Bengaluru central prison and sought a release on parole for 15 days based on the medical certificate. 

Dr. Naveen T.K., MD of Life Care Hospital observed in the medical certificate that the petitioner's 68-year-old mother "is a patient with B/L knee Rheumatoid Osteoarthritis with osteoporosis... She is bedridden with comorbid disabilities. She needs her son to come for a monitory check in view of critical illness. Hence, kindly consider 2-3 weeks for her son to attend."

After examining the certificate, the court observed that the parole is sought only on the basis of the medical certificate, noting that, "it is not understood on what basis such a certificate has been issued."

As per a media report in The New Indian Express, Justice Suraj Govindaraj stated, "The only reason why the parole is sought for is on the basis of the medical certificate which had been issued wherein it is contended that the mother of the petitioner suffers from Osteoarthritis and she is bedridden. It is not understood on what basis such a certificate has been issued."

"The doctor further goes on to say the petitioner is required for monitoring his mother and that Osteoarthritis is a critical illness. I am unable to accept the said certificate issued by Dr. Naveen. Hence, the petition stands dismissed. The matter is referred to the Indian Medical Council to conduct a necessary enquiry as to how such a certificate has been issued," the bench added.

The doctor stated that the petitioner's presence is required for monitoring his mother as osteoarthritis is a critical illness. However, the court refused to accept the certificate and referred it to the Indian Medical Council to inquire as to how the doctor issued such a certificate, reports the Hindu. 

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