[Update on the state of health of Jacqueline, the nurse who attempted suicide in CSI Hospital, Kancheepuram, due to casteist harassment by the hospital director, and other developments — Round Table India]
Geeta Charusivam
There have been further developments in the CSI hospital struggle in Kancheepuram. Some friends visited Jacqueline in hospital today and have informed that she is conscious today but unable to speak. The doctors have said that she is still not out of danger. They are keeping a close watch on her today and hope that her condition remains stable. They would be able to give a further opinion only by tomorrow.
As informed yesterday, one case under Crime No. 946/2012 was booked on 44 persons (including staff, a few lawyers and some Makkal Mandram activists) under – Section 143 (punishment for unlawful assembly), Section 341 (punishment for wrongful restraint) and Section 188 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of IPC for holding a protest demonstration in front of the hospital.
Another case under Crime No. 947/2012 was also booked against 8 persons including Solomon (husband of Jacqueline) and 5 other staff members as well as Mahesh and Jessy of Makkal Mandram on the false complaint given by the Director against these persons that said these persons tried to forcibly enter her office, attack some of her sidekicks and cause damage to property. They have been charged under Section 294B* and 323** of IPC. The detailed provisions of these sections are given at the bottom of this report.
Yesterday afternoon, it looked as if all the arrested persons would be remanded. But later in the evening more advocates and activists gathered outside the marriage hall where these persons had been detained, to have intense discussions and arguments with the police. After much persuasion and pressure, at around 19.00 hrs all the arrested persons were released on bail on personal surety.
However, no action has been taken on the formal complaint lodged by Mr. Solomon with the police against Dr. Brinda Nirmal, the hospital director, based on Jacqueline’s note.
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* Section 294. Obscene acts and songs.—
Whoever, to the annoyance of others—
(a) does any obscene act in any public place, or
(b) sings, recites or utters any obscene song, ballad or words, in or near any public place, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine, or with both.
** Section 323. Punishment for voluntarily causing hurt
Whoever, except in the case provided for by section 334, voluntarily causes hurt shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
