Tamil NaduSunday, 31 May 2026·The Hindu
Madras High Court: undertrial prisoner can seek private hospital treatment of choice with custody safeguards
In May 2026, the Madras High Court allowed an undertrial in a ₹600-crore default case to receive 10 weeks of treatment at a private hospital of his choice, while remaining in custody.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In May 2026, a Division Bench of the Madras High Court permitted T. Devanathan Yadav, managing director of Mylapore Hindu Permanent Fund Nidhi Limited, to undergo 10 weeks of treatment at a private hospital of his choice while remaining in custody.
Key specifics
- The case involved a ₹600-crore default and about 5,000 depositors.
- Justices G.R. Swaminathan and V. Lakshminarayanan said the prisoner must name 3 private hospitals.
- The government authorities can choose 1 hospital from the 3 options and shift him within 1 week.
- The Bench ordered 24x7 police escort duty in 3 or 4 shifts during the treatment period.
- The court said the petitioner cannot use a mobile phone for the 10-week hospital stay.
Exam lens
Polity and judiciary question: undertrial rights, Article 21 right to life, custody without bail, and medical treatment of choice. TNPSC may ask which High Court held that an undertrial can seek treatment at a private hospital if no prejudice is caused.