CWG case: court dismisses Kalmadi's plea to go to Pune

A Delhi court on Thursday dismissed sacked CWG Organising Committee (OC) Chairman Suresh Kalmadi's plea seeking exemption for two days from appearing before the court in order to visit Pune for a medical check-up and to meet his family members.

Kalmadi's plea for exemption from personal appearance on February 3 and 4 was rejected by Special Judge Talwant Singh on the ground that he was earlier allowed to go to Pune for a day but failed to avail the opportunity and attended the court proceedings on that day.

"The accused (Kalmadi) was earlier granted permission to visit his grand daughter (in Pune) on January 28 but on his own he chose not to avail the opportunity and he was present in the court on January 28," the court said.

Regarding Kalmadi's medical check-up, the judge said he is already undergoing treatment at two private hospitals in Delhi and Gurgaon and these hospitals were among the best for treatment of heart ailments.

"It is clear that he (Kalmadi) is already under treatment of his heart ailment with two private hospitals here. These two hospitals have the best medical facilities as far as heart problems are concerned," the judge said.

The judge, however, said Kalmadi could go to Pune on February 11 and 12 as the court would remain closed.

"This court will be closed on February 11 and 12 that is second Saturday and Sunday and if the accused (Kalmadi) wishes to get his medical check-up done at Pune.... he may avail the facility on February 11 and 12," the judge said.

Kalmadi, in his plea, has sought exemption from personal appearance on the ground that he has to visit his family home and meet his newly-born granddaughter for the first time.