Condition of George Fernandes deteriorating

The health of former Defence Minister George Fernandes who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease is deteriorating, Fernandes's brother claimed here today.

"His condition is deteriorating by the day. He is becoming more and more desperate and distraught...sort of frustrated every time we meet him. He wants us to take him away from his wife who was not with him for the last 25 years,"  Michael Fernandes, who is involved in the legal battle for George's custody said here.

The legal battle for Fernandes's custody between his wife Leila Kabir Fernandes and brothers who have estranged relationship with her is on in the Delhi high court.

Michael alleged that George's (long-estranged) wife (Leila Kabir Fernandes) prevents any kind of interaction between him and his erstwhile colleagues and friends.

Michael today claimed that every time he meets his 80-year-old brother, which is about 30 times in the last four-five months, he repeatedly asks him to take him away from his wife "right now, right today".

"We are not able to do it because we have a case in the court," he said. "His health is going down by the day."

The brothers of George Fernandes had alleged in the Delhi high court on September 23 that he was not getting proper treatment for Alzheimer's disease and sought constitution of an independent medical board to examine his health condition.

Justice VK Shali had issued notice to Leila Kabir with whom the veteran leader is staying and posted the application filed by his brothers, Richard and Michael for hearing on November 10.