Irudhaya Jothi
Kolkata: Father Stan Swamy on May 21 rejected a proposal to admit him in a hospital but demanded interim bail to return to his residence in Ranchi, eastern India.
The 84-year Jesuit tribal activist made the demand during a video conference with the Bombay High Court from the Taloja Jail near Mumbai where has been lodged since October 9, 2020.
Justice Kathawalla of the court interacted directly with Father Swamy and asked the priest: “Are you treated well at the Taloja Jail. Do you have any complaints against the Taloja jail? Do you want to be admitted at J J Hospital?”
Father Swamy responded: “No. I would not want to. I have been there (JJ Hospital) thrice. I know the set-up. I would rather suffer, possible die very shortly if this were to go on. I would prefer that to being admitted to the JJ Hospital. It is very difficult time for me.”
The court observed that Father Swamy has great difficulty in hearing.
The priest could not hear everything the judge said and asked the one sitting next to him to explain the proceedings.
Senior advocate Mihir Desai on behalf of the Jesuit told the court that Father Swamy has a problem with JJ Hospital. The court then said if Father Swamy liked he could be sent to the Holy Family Hospital managed by the Ursulines of Mary Immaculate congregation at Bandra, a Mumbai suburb.
Father Swamy refused the offer saying, “I don’t think it would make any difference. Whatever happens to me, I would like to be with my own.”
He further told the court, “Only one thing that I would request the judiciary is to consider my interim bail.”
He also pointed out: “When I came to Taloja the core systems of my body were still functional. But there has been a steady regression of what my body’s main functions.”
He continued, “Yesterday I was taken to J J Hospital so I got an opportunity to explain what I should be given. My deterioration is more powerful than the small tablets they give. It is a difficult moment for me.”
The court too noted that it was a difficult moment for Father Swamy and agreed with the priest that his general health was deteriorating. “Therefore, we are asking you, would you want to be admitted so that you are treated and your general health improves.”
Desai, the advocate, pleaded for private hospital if that was fine with the priest. But Father Swamy rejected the suggestion and continued to request for interim bail.
Meanwhile Jesuits and Father Swamy’s friends, who closely follow the octogenarian’s cause, assert that the priest should be taken to a hospital immediately to save his health from further deterioration.
Some find inspiration his conviction and courage to accept his prophetic stand.
“I agree with Stan, he is not shaken even by death and not ready to sacrifice his conviction and leave his co-accused,” explained Korkonious Moses, a guide in Indian Spirituality.
The court has directed the jail authorities to strictly follow the recommendation of the JJ Hospital committee and give Father Swamy the facilities mentioned in the report.
The court has posted the matter for hearing on June 7.
Pointing out that Father Swamy has taken the approach, “Forgive them for they know not what they are doing,” lawyer Desai asked the court for permission to approach the court again if the priest agreed.
“You can always do that,” the judge responded.
Father Swamy was arrested on October 8, 2020, by the National Investigation Agency for his alleged involvement in the Bhima-Koregaon case. The agency has also accused him of maintaining Maoist links.
I can understand fr. Stan’s yearning to go to his home in ranchi, it is my humble request to accept the hospitalisation at Holy Family hospital, where he will be treated with love and care.
Fr. Stan you have to live, coz your fight for the tribals is not over. Lord Jesus give him the vigour to over come the inhumane treatment given to him, my humble pray on Pentecost. Amen.