JOIN USAs his lawyers told a Delhi court that their client was seriously ill and bed ridden and in no position to attend court, the former Samajwadi Party leader made a surprise entry in the court room, stunning everyone present.
In the morning, Singh, 55, skipped the court appearance as his lawyers argued that he was too ill to appear in the court. But an unimpressed special judge Sangita Dhingra Sehgal demanded that either Singh appear in the court or his complete medical report be submitted by 12.30 p.m.
Unable to present a medical report to back their claim, Singh’s lawyers urged the court for some more time. However, shortly before 1 p.m., Singh himself arrived in court, to everyone's shock and surprise.
Singh told the court that a kidney transplant done last year was still causing some complications he came against medical advice. “I have great faith in the judiciary. I came here against medical advice.”
Singh added: “At home, I saw news channels and was disturbed that they said I'm hiding.” But the judge said she needed more proof of Singh's illness.
“What has been your (Amar Singh) medical history since September, October 2010?” the judge asked. “Whatever you have given to me is prior to September 2010.”
Singh then moved a bail application seeking relief from the court, which the court refused to hear. When Singh pleaded to take it up as his interim bail plea, the judge postponed the matter.
After the lunch break, when judge Sehgal announced her verdict, it was Singh's turn to be surprised. The judge had to read her three-page note thrice to a stunned Singh. By 4 p.m. the politician was arrested and sent to judicial custody till Sep 19.
Shortly after his arrest, Singh moved a fresh plea for interim bail on health grounds, to which the court asked the Delhi Police to respond Sep 8. Arguing his own case, Singh said that he was suffering from kidney ailment and gave the assurance that he would not flee or tamper with evidence if enlarged on bail.
“I am really not well. My body needs good care like regular dialysis, blood tests, medication and all that. I am not going to flee and I am not going to tamper with any evidence. I am cooperating fully.”
“I have not used my so-called influence on any witness,” added Singh. Singh further argued that principle of law states that a person is innocent until proven guilty.
However, the judge was in no mood to budge and said that: “All the accused are placed equally.” Showing his disagreement, the former Samajwadi Party leader replied that he could not be placed equally with other accused as his case was different because of health grounds.
He has been lodged in barrack three of Tihar Jail, which is near the jail hospital.