NationalSaturday, 30 May 2026·The Hindu - Tamil Nadu
Madras High Court says undertrial can seek private-hospital treatment if custody and security are protected
The Madras High Court allowed an undertrial in a ₹600-crore default case to undergo 10 weeks of treatment at a private hospital, while stressing that custody continues.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In May 2026, the Madras High Court permitted T. Devanathan Yadav, managing director of Mylapore Hindu Permanent Fund Nidhi Limited, to receive 10 weeks of treatment at a private hospital while remaining in custody in a ₹600-crore default case involving 5,000 depositors.
Key specifics
- Division Bench: Justices G.R. Swaminathan and V. Lakshminarayanan ordered hospital treatment for 10 weeks.
- The prisoner must name 3 private hospitals, and the government may choose 1 of them.
- He has to undergo 2 surgeries: one on the knee and another on the spine.
- The Bench said escort duty must be provided 24x7 in 3 or 4 shifts.
- The court linked the issue to the fundamental right to life under the Constitution and said custody continues, not bail.
Exam lens
Polity and judiciary question type: fundamental rights, prison custody, and judicial directions. TNPSC may ask which High Court held that an undertrial can seek treatment at a private hospital of choice when no prejudice is caused.