Asianet NewsableAsianet Newsable

Elgar Parishad-Maoist link case: SC allows Gautam Navlakha to be kept under house arrest

The Supreme Court, prima facie, observed that there is no reason to reject the medical report of Gautam Navlakha, and said that its latest order should be implemented within 48 hours.

Elgar Parishad-Maoist link case: SC allows Gautam Navlakha to be kept under house arrest
Author
First Published Nov 10, 2022, 1:23 PM IST

The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed activist Gautam Navlakha, currently in jail in connection with the Elgar Parishad-Maoist link case, to be kept under house arrest for a month. The top court, prima facie, observed that there is no reason to reject the medical report of Gautam Navlakha and said that its latest order should be implemented within 48 hours.

In its interim order, a bench of Justices K M Joseph and Hrishikesh Roy directed house arrest for a month in Mumbai and asked him to deposit Rs 2.4 lakh for expenses incurred by the state in providing police security.

Also Read: Mumbai Police ban drones, paragliders, private choppers, other flying objects from November 13

Navlakha had appealed to the top court that he be placed under house arrest instead of judicial custody in Taloja jail, considering his health condition and old age. The order prohibits the 70-year-old activist from using a computer and the Internet while under house arrest. The bench directed Navakha not to make any attempt, in any manner, to influence witnesses during his house arrest. He is allowed access to newspapers and television and use of a mobile phone without internet for the duration.

The bench underlined that a trial in the case is unlikely to happen in the near future, considering that even the charges have not yet been framed. The bench also highlighted that the activist did not have any criminal background and that in 2011, he was named as an interlocutor to mediate with the extremists to secure the release of people kidnapped by Maoists. 

The court permitted the Maharashtra Police to put the accommodation under surveillance and search and inspect the residence. Navlakha will be allowed to step out of the house for walks accompanied by police personnel. The court listed the matter for hearing in the second week of December, and the National Investigation Agency has been asked to obtain a fresh medical report.

Also Read: Centre explains why it does NOT want Dalit Christians, Dalit Muslims in Scheduled Caste list

Follow Us:
Download App:
  • android
  • ios