Former Chief Justice of India Altamas Kabir critically ill, undergoing treatment in Kolkata

New Delhi: Former Chief Justice of India Altamas Kabir is in a critical condition and is undergoing treatment at Kolkata's Apollo Hospital. 

"He is on a life support system since his condition is very critical," former Supreme Court judge Ashok Ganguly, who was present at the hospital, told PTI. 

"He is suffering from a kidney-related ailment," Justice (retd) Ganguly, also a close friend of Justice (retd) Kabir, said. 

"He is in a critical condition and is undergoing treatment," spokesperson of Apollo Hospitals Anjali Singh said.

Earlier today, some reports stated that Kabir passed away after a prolonged illness in Kolkata. However, city's Apollo Hospital released a statement and clarified that Kabir is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital and is severely unwell. 

Kabir was enrolled as an Advocate in 1973 and practiced in the District Court and the Calcutta High Court on Civil and Criminal sides. 

He was appointed as a permanent Judge of the Calcutta High Court in 1990 and as the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court in 2005. In the same year in September, he was elevated to the Supreme Court. He was appointed as the 39th Chief Justice of India in 2012.

He held office till July 2013.