Bhima Koregaon Case: Bail Granted to Gautam Navlakha, But Stayed for Three Weeks

 

In a development with mixed implications, the Bombay High Court on Tuesday granted bail to journalist and activist Gautam Navlakha, an accused in the Bhima Koregaon-Elgar Parishad case. However, the court also imposed a three-week stay on its own order, effectively delaying Navlakha's release.

Background:

• Navlakha has been in custody since August 2018 in connection with the Bhima Koregaon case, which alleges links between activists and Elgar Parishad conference, leading to violence in Maharashtra.
• He has been on medical grounds since November 2022 after the Supreme Court allowed his temporary transfer from jail.
• This is the seventh bail granted in the case, with other prominent figures like Anand Teltumbde and Varavara Rao previously released on bail.

Court's Decision:

• The High Court, under Justices A.S. Gadkari and Shivkumar Dige, approved Navlakha's bail application, setting similar conditions as for the other co-accused on bail.
• However, the court also granted a three-week stay on the bail order to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which can now appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.

Reason for Stay:

• The NIA argued that it needed time to prepare an appeal against the bail order in the Supreme Court.
• The court, while approving the bail, accepted the NIA's plea and imposed the stay, delaying Navlakha's release for at least three weeks.

Implications:

• This decision is viewed with mixed reactions. Supporters of Navlakha celebrate the bail grant, viewing it as a step towards justice and an end to his prolonged detention.
• However, the stay order is criticized by some as undermining the spirit of the bail grant and causing further unnecessary delay in Navlakha's release.

Looking Ahead:

• The NIA is expected to file an appeal in the Supreme Court within the next three weeks.
• The Supreme Court will then decide whether to stay the bail order further or allow Navlakha's release.

It is important to note that Navlakha remains innocent until proven guilty. The legal process in this case is still ongoing, and the final outcome is yet to be determined.

 

 

 

  (With input from news agency language)
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