Delhi High Court wants veteran leader's views to be interpreted in the raging battle for custody between his wife and brothers

Konkani lawyer for George Fernandes

Delhi High Court wants veteran leader's views to be interpreted in the raging battle for custody between his wife and brothers

THE custodial battle for former defence minister George Fernandes has got tongues wagging. But certain statements require more consideration and better interpretation than others. And obviously words spoken by the man at the centre of all the brouhaha have a significant amount of legal influence. So, the Delhi High Court on Thursday asked both sides to find a lawyer who knows Konkani so that the court could get to know Fernandes' own views on the matter.

Fernandes' wife Leila Kabir and his two brothers - Richard and Michael - are fighting the legal battle over his custody for the last one year. But till now Fernandes has been unable to appear in court to put forth his views. Suffering from Alzheimer's diseases, Fernandes is under going treatment in a south Delhi hospital. Besides demanding his custody his brothers have also asked for his relocation to his official accommodation at 3, Krishna Menon Marg.

Appearing before the court on Thursday, Fernandes' brothers informed that Konkani and English are the only two languages they use to speak to him. Justice V K Shali while directing both the sides to arrange for a Konkani speaking lawyer by the next date also said that the court wants to know the views of the veteran leader.

"The person who, due to some incapability, could not be heard...the court wants to know what is in his mind to settle the issue," Justice Shali said while giving the order. The next date of hearing is July 5.

Meanwhile the two brothers also alleged that George Fernandes is being ill-treated by his wife; the couple had been living separately for 25 years. On the other hand Leila Kabir alleged that the brothers are only interested in the property of her husband who is unable to take care of himself.

Richard and Micahel also asked for a special medical board to ascertain the health conditions of their brother but Leila Kabir's lawyer again protested by saying that the leader is getting complete medical support.