NationalTuesday, 2 June 2026·The Hindu - Tamil Nadu
Madras High Court on undertrial prisoners’ right to private hospital treatment and Article 21
The Madras High Court held that an undertrial prisoner may be treated at a private hospital of choice if no prejudice is caused, linking the issue to Article 21.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In June 2026, a Madras High Court Division Bench led by Justices G.R. Swaminathan and V. Lakshminarayanan permitted T. Devanathan Yadav, managing director of Mylapore Hindu Permanent Fund Nidhi Limited, to undergo 10 weeks of treatment at a private hospital while remaining in custody.
Key specifics
- The case involved a ₹600-crore default and 5,000 depositors linked to Mylapore Hindu Permanent Fund Nidhi Limited (MHPFNL).
- The Bench asked the prisoner to name 3 private hospitals, after which the government could choose one for treatment.
- The court said he must be shifted within 1 week and remain confined to the hospital premises for 10 weeks.
- The judges ordered 24x7 police escort in 3 or 4 shifts during the medical treatment period.
- Justice G.R. Swaminathan linked the ruling to Article 21, stating that the right to life includes proper medical treatment.
Exam lens
Polity and judiciary question type: Article 21, undertrial rights, and High Court powers; remember the names G.R. Swaminathan and V. Lakshminarayanan, the 10-week treatment order, and the principle that custody can continue even when hospital treatment is allowed.