The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian authorities, countered the defence stance to say that the two situations have been of a “completely different nature”.
“Not least as it is impossible to ignore Asperger’s Syndrome as well as depression in the case of Mr Assange,” stated CPS barrister Helen Malcolm, who appeared through video hyperlink for the element-remote courtroom settings in spot due to the UK’s coronavirus lockdown.
The CPS sought an adjournment to the proceedings in order to access Modi’s mental overall health records to be independently evaluated by a consultant psychiatrist and suitable assurances be acquired in terms of his care in India.
“While the issues of mental health are not contested, the consequences of those need cross-examining,” stated Malcolm.
The CPS pointed to currently current Indian government assurances in the case as effectively as the solution for Modi to access privately paid for healthcare remedy, provided his present of millions in the course of many bail applications just before the UK courts.
However, District Judge Samuel Goozee turned down the application for adjournment and concluded that the Indian government had “ample opportunity” to respond to 5 reports presented by defence witness Dr Andrew Forrester, a forensic psychiatrist who examined Modi on many occasions final year and concluded that “coupled with a severe condition of depression, he presents a high risk of suicide albeit not immediately”.
The hearing on Thursday went on to concentrate on the defence team’s concluding submissions that many legal bars exist against extraditing Modi to India, which includes on human rights grounds due to inadequate prison situations that would fail to provide enough anti-suicide measures.
Modi’s lawyers also claim that he would not obtain a fair trial in India due to the case becoming politicised by the “ruling BJP”, which impacted on the principle of presumption of innocence till verified guilty.