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Varavara Rao shifted to Nanavati Hospital, condition stable

Varavara Rao shifted to Nanavati Hospital, condition stable

Hindustan Times / by HT Correspondent

In July, Rao had undergone treatment at the state-run St George Hospital after he had tested positive for Covid-19. His neurological complications had flared up during the course of the treatment for the viral infection.
Poet-activist Varavara Rao (81), who has been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, for his alleged involvement in the Elgar Parishad and Bhima Koregaon case, was shifted to the general ward of Nanavati Hospital on Wednesday night for the next 15 days from Taloja Jail in Navi Mumbai, as per the instructions of the Bombay high court (HC).
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Bombay High Court Orders To Shift Varavara Rao To Nanavati Hospital From Prison [Read order]

Bombay High Court Orders To Shift Varavara Rao To Nanavati Hospital From Prison [Read order]

‘He’s Almost On Deathbed’: Bombay High Court Orders To Shift Varavara Rao To Nanavati Hospital From Prison

18/11/2020

Live Law / by Nitish Kshyap

Taking note of the critical medical condition of the 81-year old undertrial Varavara Rao, the Bombay High Court on Wednesday directed that he be shifted to Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital from Taloja Jail, for 15 days for a thorough check-up.
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+++ By Live Law: Bombay High Court allowing the shifting of Varavara Rao from Taloja prison to Nanavati Hospital. Court has also ordered that he shouldn’t be discharged without informing it.+++
Read order here

„What is the price we pay if he is acqutted?“ Indira Jaising during Varavara Rao´s bail hering in Bombay High Court

18/11/2020

Bar & Bench / by Bar & Bench

Jaising today confined her arguments to interim relief that Rao be shifted out of the jail hospital and to Nanavati hospital for tests and treatment.
The Bombay High Court today directed the immediate transfer of poet activist Dr Varavara Rao, an accused in the Bhima Koregaon case, from Taloja jail to the Nanavati hospital for medical examinations and treatment in view of concerns over his deteriorating health condition.
… Read a live account of the hearing today.
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Video: VV Rao to be admitted to Nanavati hospital for treatment a small relief, says Venugopal Rao


en | 7:25 min | 2020

India Ahead News / India Ahead News talks with Venugopal Rao

Bhima Koregaon case accused Varavara Rao’s kin Venugopal Rao calls #Bombay #HighCourt allowing him to be admitted to Nanavati hospital for treatment a small relief, says family was expecting bail.
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“DON’T SHIFT HIM BACK TO JAIL WITHOUT INFORMING THE COURT”: MUMBAI HIGH COURT DIRECTS N.I.A.

18/11/2020

Release the Poet / by N Venugopal

Mumbai High Court directs the government to shift poet Varavara Rao to Nanavati Hospital immediately for examinations and treatment for multiple issues of kidney, liver, heart and brain as the medical reports of November 13 and 17 revealed. Initially the government was asked to keep him in the hospital for 15 days. The government was also asked not to shift him back to jail, without informing the court. The court also allowed family members to visit VV, as per the hospital protocols.
N Venugopal

India’s Era Of Unequal Liberties / Protect our Republic, my lords

India’s Era Of Unequal Liberties / Protect our Republic, my lords

Arnab Goswami & India’s Era Of Unequal Liberties

16/11/2020

Article 14 / by Zaid Wahidi

On 11 November 2020, the Supreme Court granted bail to television show-host Arnab Goswami, who had been in judicial custody for seven days on an abetment to suicide charge related to a 2018 case. The merits aside, the manner in which the judicial machinery functioned to protect Goswami’s liberty was extraordinary… However, when the Supreme Court’s own approach to cases concerning personal liberty is tested on the touchstone of these observations, the reality could not be more of a contrast…
Sudha Bharadwaj: Imprisoned For 811 Days
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Protect our Republic, my lords

16/11/2020

The Hindu / by Sriram Panchu

The judiciary’s quick intervention in the Arnab Goswami case turns the spotlight on other serious cases that languish.
The facts are brief. Mr. Arnab Goswami of Republic TV, a media group perceived to be supportive of the ruling party, was arrested by the Mumbai Police on November 4, 2020 on a charge of abetting the suicide of Anvay Naik … The High Court heard his case for five hours on a holiday, and said exactly this on November 9…
There is however the disturbing contrast between the breakneck speed of the Supreme Court in this case with other cases which involve large scale and serious violations of fundamental freedoms.
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Five cases on personal liberty decided by Justice DY Chandrachud

15/11/2020

Bar & Bench / by Murali Krishnan

Supreme Court Bench headed by JusticeDY Chandrachud, on November 11 granted bail to Republic TV Editor-in-Chief, Arnab Goswami in an abetment to suicide case against him…
Below are a few cases in which Justice Chandrachud was confronted with issue of personal liberty/ bail.
Bhima -Koregaon arrests
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Jharkhand MP writes to President demanding Fr. Stan Swamy’s release

Jharkhand MP writes to President demanding Fr. Stan Swamy’s release

Jharkhand MP writes to President demanding Fr. Stan Swamy’s release

16/11/2020

Sabrang / by Sabrangindia

Alleging that the NIA was using under-handed methods to imprison innocent activists, MP Vijay Hansdak demanded the release and closure of the case against Fr. Stan.
“Father Stan Swamy’s arrest by the NIA [National Investigation Agency] is malicious and spiteful as he and his associates have been constantly denying any link with Maoists. The allegation against him about his links in the Bhima Koregaon case is also false and fabricated. I, on behalf of people of Jharkhand, would like to appeal to take immediate concrete action to stop the proceedings of all the false allegations against Father Swamy and release him. I also appeal to release all those innocent social activists and intellectuals who have been arrested on false allegations,” Hansdak wrote in his letter.
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Jharkhand MP letter to Kovind for Stan Swamy release

15/11/2020

The Telegraph / by Animesh Bisoee

Rajmahal MP and JMM leader Vijay Kumar Hansdak has become the first parliamentarian from Jharkhand to come out in support of octogenarian Jesuit priest and tribal rights activist Father Stan Swamy, who has been arrested and jailed for his alleged involvement in the Bhima Koregaon violence and Maoist links.
In a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind on November 10, Hansdak, son of former Congress MP Thomas Hansdah, has sought the immediate release of the elderly priest and closure of the “false” case lodged against Fr Swamy.
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What About Personal Liberty Of Sudha Bharadwaj, Anand Teltumbde, VV Rao & Stan Swamy?

What About Personal Liberty Of Sudha Bharadwaj, Anand Teltumbde, VV Rao & Stan Swamy?

SC Protects Arnab’s Personal Liberty, Why Not Sudha Bharadwaj’s?

15/11/2020

Kashimir Pen / by Web Desk

Leading human rights and constitutional lawyer Karuna Nundy applauded the Supreme Court for acting out its self-professed role as ‘sentinel on the qui vive’ and protecting personal liberty when ordering Arnab Goswami’s release on interim bail – but had some tough questions about the consistency of the court’s approach.
She noted that even though the Republic editor-in-chief had not only damaged people’s reputations by calling them terrorists and anti-nationals, and actually influenced the taking of state action against them – from Umar Khalid to the Bhima Koregaon accused – it was still a good thing that his case was heard on a priority basis by the apex court.
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Video: SC Protects Arnab’s Personal Liberty, But What About Sudha Bharadwaj’s?

13/11/2020


en | 7:32min | 2020

The Quint / by The Quint

Supreme Court advocate Karuna Nundy explains why there are concerns over the consistency with which the apex court will apply its order granting Arnab Goswami interim bail, with Sudha Bharadwaj’s case a prime example.
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Video: What About Liberty Of Anand Teltumbde, Varavara Rao, Stan Swamy, Asks Kapil Sibal

12/11/2020


en | 11:23min | 2020

NDTV / by NDTV

The Supreme Court’s order on Wednesday in the Arnab Goswami case has major implications beyond just this one instance. Justice Chandrachud observed, “Forget Arnab Goswami for a moment, we are a Constitutional court…. If we as a Constitutional Court do not lay down law and protect liberty, then who will?” He went on to add, “If we don’t interfere in this case today, we will walk on path of destruction. You may differ in ideology but Constitutional courts will have to protect such freedoms…” The remarks come at a time when thousands languish in jails in want of bail. These include the old and the infirm, like 81-year-old Varavara Rao accused in the Bhima-Koregaon case and Father Stan Swamy who suffers from Parkinson’s.
After the Supreme Court’s observations that ‘constitutional courts have to protect freedoms’, will this set a precedent in other pending cases as well? We speak to senior advocate and Congress MP Kapil Sibal who was in Supreme Court in connection with this case.
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‘Humanity is bubbling in Taloja prison,’ Stan Swamy says in letter to friends

‘Humanity is bubbling in Taloja prison,’ Stan Swamy says in letter to friends

Pic: Bangalore, Nov 12

Excerpts from a letter written by Fr. Stan Swamy SJ, from the prison, with the help of Arun Ferreira

By Fr Stan Swamy

Dear friends
Peace!
Though I do not have many details, from what I have heard, I am grateful to all of you for expressing your solidarity support.
I am in a cell approximately 13 feet x 8 feet, along with two more inmates. It has a small bathroom and a toilet with Indian commode. Fortunately, I am given a western commode chair.
Varavara Rao, Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira are in another cell. During the day, when cells and barracks are opened, we meet with each other.
From 5.30 pm to 06.00 am and 12 noon to 03.00 pm, I am locked up in my cell, with two inmates. Arun assists me to have my breakfast and lunch. Vernon helps me with bath. My two inmates help out during supper, in washing my clothes and give massage to my knee joints. They are from very poor families.
Please remember my inmates and my colleagues in your prayers.
Despite all odds, humanity is bubbling in Taloja prison.

Jesuit priest’s letter from Taloja Central Jail

15/11/2020

The Telegraph / by Pheroze L. Vincent

Excerpts from the letter by the Jesuit priest and tribal rights activist from Ranchi, whose full name is Stanislaus Lourduswamy, have been widely circulated on Facebook this Diwali…
Jesuit priest Father David Solomon, director of the Ranchi NGO Bagaicha — a workspace for activists where Swamy lived and worked — confirmed the authenticity of the excerpt.
He said the rest of the letter’s contents were not being disclosed as they included personal information. Nor has the identity of the recipient been revealed for fear of harassment of priests and institutions run by them.
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‘Humanity is bubbling in Taloja prison,’ Stan Swamy says in letter to friends

14/11/2020

Scroll.in / by Scroll Staff

The 83-year-old suffers from Parkinson’s disease and needs help with chores.
Jailed human rights activist Stan Swamy wrote to his friends about fellow inmates who help him with his chores and said that despite all odds, “humanity is bubbling in prison”. Excerpts from the letter were shared on social media by Swamy’s friend, human rights activist John Dayal.
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A List of Activists, Scholars and Scribes Whose Personal Liberty Remains at Judiciary’s Mercy

A List of Activists, Scholars and Scribes Whose Personal Liberty Remains at Judiciary’s Mercy

A List of Activists, Scholars and Scribes Whose Personal Liberty Remains at Judiciary’s Mercy

13/11/2020

The Wire / by Ismat Ara and Sukanya Shantha

On September 7, following sustained interrogation at the National Investigation Agency’s office in Mumbai, two activists of the Kabir Kala Manch – Sagar Gorkhe and Ramesh Gaichor – were arrested for alleged connections to the 2018 Elgar Parishad case. Days later, another young cultural activist of the group, Jyoti Jagtap, was arrested too…
The Wire has put together a list of cases where activists and journalists arrested in the past years have struggled either in securing regular hearings, or in having their basic human rights protected, or both. Their situations put the Supreme Court’s assertion on “personal liberty” during Goswami’s bail hearing in harsh perspective.
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Stan Swamy vs Arnab Goswami: Are activists fighting a losing battle? Whither justice?

14/11/2020

Counterview / by Fr Sunil Macwan SJ

It is time one raised pertinent questions over the courts denying bail to Fr Stan Swamy, who was arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and granting it to Arnab Goswami, editor-in-chief of the Republic TV, arrested under the charge of abetting suicide of Avay Naik, who ended his life in 2018. It is travesty of justice that a human rights activist is not only denied bail but is also made to wait for weeks to hear a response to his legitimate request for a straw to drink water, while Arnab Goswami walks free.
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Varavara Rao’s personal liberty: Will Justice Chadrachud’s order set a precedent?

Varavara Rao’s personal liberty: Will Justice Chadrachud’s order set a precedent?

Counterview / by Vidya Bhushan Rawat

The Bombay High Court has rejected the bail of poet and author Varavara Rao, who is incarcerating in Mumbai’s Taloja Central Jail for over two years in the Bhima Koregaon ‘conspiracy’ case, in which a chargesheet has not yet been filed. Rao is 80 plus and cannot walk without help. He is suffering from various ailments. The court has “directed” the government to get him treated. It seems the government is willing to spend money on his treatment but is not ready to give him bail.
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Also Read: VARAVARA RAO DENIED BAIL TILL NOV 17, BOMBAY HC DIRECTS IMMEDIATE MEDICAL EXAMINATION

Varavara Rao denied bail till Nov 17, Bombay HC directs immediate medical examination

Varavara Rao denied bail till Nov 17, Bombay HC directs immediate medical examination


Pic: Mumbai Rises to Save Democracy

Bombay High Court orders medical exam to gauge Dr Varavara Rao’s health status, bail plea to be taken up next on Nov 17

12/11/2020

Bar & Bench / by Neha Joshi

The Court has directed a team from Nanavati hospital to conduct the medical exam, if possible today, adding that a physical exam may be conducted if the team feels an exam via video call is not possible.
The Bombay High Court today directed that a medical examination be conducted to gauge the health status of poet-activist Dr Varavara Rao, who is presently detained in Taloja jail following his arrest in connection with the Bhima Koregaon case in 2018.
The Court has added that the exam be conducted via video today itself, if possible, with the participation of doctors from the Nanavati Hospital who had earlier issued a report on Rao’s condition.
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Bombay High Court Directs Immediate Medical Examination Of Varavara Rao To Consider Prayer For Shifting To Hospital

12/11/2020

Live Law / by Nitish Kashyap

The Bombay High Court on Thursday directed immediate medical examination of 81-year-old Varavara Rao, lodged in Taloja jail in the Bhima Koregaon case, to ascertain whether he needs to be shifted to Nanavati Hospital.
The Court directed that a panel of doctors from Nanavati Hospital should examine him via video call immediately, either today itself or at the latest by tomorrow morning. If the doctors form the opinion after the video call that physical examination of the undertrial is needed, the same should be done immediately.
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Pleading ‘degrading and inhuman treatment’ of ailing Varavara Rao; petition seeking poet’s transfer to Nanavati hospital to be heard by Bombay HC today

12/11/2020

The Leaflet / by The Leaflet

The Bombay High Court will hear today at 3 pm the plea filed Pendyala Hemalatha, the wife of Dr Varavara Rao, alleging violation of the Right to Life, Dignity and Health of her husband on account of the ‘degrading’ and ‘inhumane’ treatment being meted out to Dr. Rao in Tajolia jail.
Senior Advocate Indira Jaising will represent the petitioner before the High Court.
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Bombay HC directs Varavara Rao’s medical examination via video link

12/11/2020

The Leaflet / by The Leaflet

The Bombay High Court Thursday ordered a medical examination of Dr. Varavara Rao through video by the doctors of Nanavati hospital to gauge the present medical health of Dr. Rao, whose condition, according to his wife, has been deteriorating…
Earlier this year, the poet-activist’s deteriorating health condition had caused national and international outrage after his family pleaded to save him from dying in jail. The poet is lodged in Taloja jail’s hospital which according to his wife, lacks medical facilities and is grossly ill-equipped to provide him with the care that he needs.
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We stand with Stan / Tura Churches appeal for release of arrested Priest

We stand with Stan / Tura Churches appeal for release of arrested Priest

Pic: Arrupe International Residence, Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific, East Asian Pastoral Institute

We stand with Stan

10/11/2020

Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific / Arrupe International Residence, East Asian Pastoral Institute, JCAP, Jesuits in South Asia

Many of us have been inspired by Fr Stan Swamy SJ through his talks and writings as the former director of the Bangalore Indian Social Institute and an unflinching Adivasi human rights activist in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha, India. His recorded remarks: “I am ready to pay the price whatever be it” inspires us to engage more avowedly in the struggle for a green and just world.
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Rally: CHALLENGES FOR HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS

10/11/2020

By Indian Social Institute

On 12 Nov’20, ISI-B, Archdiocese of Bangalore, CRI, PUCL, DSS & CSOs jointly organizing a Public Rally and Protest on CHALLENGES FOR HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS. Rally starts @ 3.00 pm from Gandhi Statue to Freedom Park, Bengaluru.
For updates click here

Click to enlarge poster

Tura Churches appeal for release of arrested Jesuit Priest

09/11/2020

The Shillong Times / by Shillong Times Correspondent

Submits memo to PM Modi.
The Tura Based Christian Churches (TBCC) a combined religious body comprising of various Christian denominations of the town on Monday dashed off a memorandum to Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi appealing for the immediate release of Jesuit Priest, Fr Stan Swamy who was earlier arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
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