Chrnnai, Oct 31:
A special court in Chennai has permitted former Tamil Nadu minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, lodged in Puzhal prison in connection with an alleged corruption case, to receive home-cooked food, subject to conditions.
Mahesh was arrested on October 26 in a case alleging that Rs 400 crore was received as bribe for granting recognition to private schools. While remanding him to judicial custody, the Special Court for cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act had directed that he be lodged in a first-class prison facility and provided food suited to his health requirements.
Subsequently, Mahesh filed a petition stating that he had lost 3 kg in five days due to the alleged failure to provide food as directed by the court. He also cited health concerns and sought permission to receive food prepared at home.
Hearing the petition, Judge L S Sathyamurthy observed that the police had not disputed the medical documents submitted on behalf of Mahesh. As an undertrial prisoner, he was entitled to medical care and food appropriate to his health condition, the judge said.
The court directed the Puzhal prison superintendent to strictly implement its earlier orders. If facilities were available, separate food should be prepared for Mahesh inside the prison. Otherwise, home-cooked food could be provided after obtaining an undertaking from him accepting responsibility for its quality, the court ordered.