Judge talks one-on-one with George Fernandes over custody battle

New Delhi, July 5 (ANI): A judge of the Delhi High Court held one-on-one discussion with ailing former Defence Minister George Fernandes on Monday to decide the custody battle between his wife Leila Kabir and brothers Richard and Michael.

Fernandes, who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease, was taken inside the chamber of Justice V.K. Shali to ascertain his mind on with whom he prefers to live.

Justice Shali held talks with the 80-year-old socialist leader in the presence of a church official and a translator to assist the court in the case, as he speaks in his mother tongue, Konkani. .

Fernandes's lawyer and relatives were asked to wait outside the chamber.

Earlier on July 1, Justice Shali directed Leila Kabir to present Fernandes before him at 4 p.m. on July 5.

The brothers of George Fernandes are demanding custody of their brother alleging that his wife Leila Kabir is not properly treating the former Defence Minister and convenor of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). (ANI)