Cash-for-votes: 'Ill' Amar Singh shows up in court

Within a couple of hours of pleading for exemption from personal appearance, Rajya Sabha member of Parliament Amar Singh on Tuesday presented himself before a Delhi court, which has summoned him in the 2008 cash-for-votes scam, and sought interim bail.

The former Samajawadi Party general secretary, who had earlier through his counsel sought exemption from attending the court on medical grounds, appeared before Special Judge Sangita Dhingra Sehgal armed with all his medical reports.

Making a fervent plea to the court to grant him bail on medical grounds, 55-year-old Singh said that he has only recently undergone kidney transplant at Singapore and requires intensive round the clock medicare.

Personally arguing his case for over five minutes, he said he has also developed infection in his urinary tract for which he has to visit Singapore for tests every three months, besides being in constant touch with doctors.

"I lost my kidneys and I am now living on borrowed kidneys. There are hazards of being in public life and there is infection in my urinary track which is dangerous for my borrowed kidney," said Singh.

"I was having health problems since Monday. I have faith in judiciary and in the Constitution. I was treated in Mt Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore and have to travel every three months (for medical check ups)," said Singh, pleading to the court to take note of his health condition.

The judge, however, after going through medical reports submitted by Singh to her, said the documents do not show his medical history after September 2010.

"What has been your (Amar Singh's) medical history since September, October 2010. What ever you have given to me is prior to September 2010," the judge told Singh.

Responding to the judge's query, Singh said, "There was little time today so I could not get all the reports."

Seeking interim bail for Singh, senior advocate Amrendra Sharan and advocate Hariharan said there is nothing in this case and there is high probability that ultimately the accused will not be convicted and they may even be discharged.

"There is no apprehension that Singh will tamper with evidence or abscond," said former Additional Solicitor General Sharan, adding that Singh has also been cooperating with the Delhi Police during investigations.

The defence counsel pointed out that Singh has decided to appear before the court despite his ill health and this "good conduct also calls for grant of bail."

The prosecution, however, told that court that the bail application should be decided on merit only and said if the plea is considered, factors like the standing of the accused in society, gravity of offence and ability to influence witnesses must be considered.

After hearing brief arguments from both sides, the court adjourned the matter till 15.30 hours to decide upon Singh's interim bail plea.