New Delhi, July 1: The custody battle over George Fernandes today took a new turn with the Delhi High Court asking his wife Leila Kabir to produce him before it on July 5 to know his mind.
 The court directed Kabir to produce the 80-year-old ailing politician as "it wants to ascertain what he wants".
 "The person who, due to some incapability, was not able to be heard. The court wants to know what is in his mind to settle the issue," Justice V K Shali said directing Kabir to present Fernandes in the court at 4 PM on July 5.
 The court was hearing the petition filed by Fernandes' brothers Richard and Michael seeking custody of their brother alleging that the former union minister, who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease, is not being properly treated by his wife.
 The judge said he was concerned about the health of Fernandes. "I am not on the legal dimension of the case. My concern is only about his health," Justice Shali said.
 The court also asked the two sides to find out a lawyer who knows Konkani language so that he can help translate Fernandes' statement.
 The order in this regard was passed after the court was told that Fernandes speaks in English as well as in Konkani language with his brothers.
 The brothers of the leader also sought the court's permission to shift him to his official residence at 3, Krishna Menon Marg from the Panchsheel Park residence of his wife.
 This was objected to by Kabir's lawyer Aman Lekhi who said Fernandes was being treated at a private hospital in south Delhi and there was no need to shift him to his official residence.
 The brothers of Fernandes today filed a fresh application seeking constitution of a medical board to ascertain his condition.
 They also wanted a local commissioner to be appointed to ascertain the wish of Fernandes which was objected to by Kabir's lawyer who alleged that the brothers have not met him for a month.
 The tussle between Kabir and Fernandes' brothers had led to an uproarious scene yesterday outside the leader's official residence in the capital.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 1 Jul 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 1 Jul 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 2 Jul 2010 00:00:00 IST