Is it just their relentless opposition to State policies that gets the NIA’s goat, or is it also their privileged background?
Stone walls do not a prison make, nor iron bars a cage. Sometimes they do, even for the most creative minds.
Take Maharashtra’s Taloja Jail, on the outskirts of Mumbai. For the last almost three years, it’s been home to some of the country’s most valuable public intellectuals, and also the site of their steady deterioration. The Bhima Koregaon trial is yet to begin, but the 16 accused have already been punished, by the NIA that’s handling their case and the jail authorities. Read more
Court directs top cop to look into the mosquito menace in Taloja prison
16/11/22
Free Press Journal / by Staff Reporter
In his plea made on Tuesday, he said that there is no reply from the jail’s superintendent despite the court’s direction to the authority to file one.
Following an application by civil rights activist and accused in Bhima-Koregaon case, Anand Teltumbde, on Tuesday, a special court has directed the Deputy Inspector General of police (DIG, Prisons) to look into the mosquito menace in Taloja prison as the jail superintendent has not complied with previous orders to take precautions to control the situation despite repeated directions. Read more
Gautam Navlakha’s Release Delayed Due to ‘Safety Concerns’ About Premises for House Arrest
16/11/2022
The Wire / by pti
Actor Suhasini Mulay appeared in the court on Wednesday and said she was standing as surety for the activist.
The release of activist Gautam Navlakha, an accused in the Elgar Parishad-Maoists links case, was delayed yet again on Wednesday as the National Investigation Agency (NIA) raised safety concerns about the premises in Navi Mumbai where he had proposed to live during his house arrest. Read more
Supreme Court Waives Requirement Of Solvency Certificate For Gautam Navlakha To Avail House Arrest [read order]
16/11/2022
Live Law / by Livelaw News Network
The Supreme Court on Tuesday waived the condition that activist Gautam Navlakha, who is lodged in Mumbai prison in the Bhima Koregaon case, should obtain a solvency certificate for availing the benefit of house arrest.
Last week, the Court had allowed Navlakha’s request to be placed under house arrest in consideration of his medical condition. However, the Court had imposed several conditions, including the requirement to furnish surety of Rs 2 lakhs. Read more
SC alters conditions to facilitate house arrest
16/11/2022
Hindustan Times / by Abraham Thomas
The Supreme Court on Tuesday waived the requirement of a solvency certificate in a case involving activist Gautam Navlakha who was allowed to be placed under house arrest
The Supreme Court on Tuesday waived the requirement of a solvency certificate in a case involving activist Gautam Navlakha, who received relief from the top court and was allowed to be placed under house arrest but whose release from jail was delayed over the certificate and other documents. Read more
Civil rights activist Gautam Navlakha’s payment for house arrest expenses rejected by CP, Navi Mumbai
15/11/2022
Free Press Journal / by Staff Reporter
A special court was informed about the rejection by Navlakha’s lawyer on Monday. Navlakha’s plea for house arrest was permitted by the Supreme Court last Thursday.
In what could mean a delay for civil rights activist Gautam Navlakha’s release from prison and into house arrest, the Commissioner of Police, Navi Mumbai has rejected a demand draft payment of Rs 2,40,000 made for police deployment expenses during house arrest. Read more
4 days after SC order, activist Navlakha yet to be placed under house arrest
14/11/2022
Midday.com / by pti
However, till Monday evening he was still in prison as formalities for his release could not be completed.
Jailed human rights activist Gautam Navlakha, who was last week allowed to be placed under house arrest for a month by the Supreme Court owing to his medical condition, is yet to walk out of Navi Mumbai’s Taloja prison, where he is lodged in connection with the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, as formalities for his release are still under process. Read more
Explainer: As activist Gautam Navlakha is allowed house arrest, what does this actually involve?
11/11/2022
Scroll.in / by Umang Poddar
When allowing him to leave Taloja jail for house detention, the Supreme Court on Thursday listed stringent conditions he would have to follow.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court allowed human rights activist Gautam Navlakha, who has been in Taloja jail since April 2020 in the Bhima Koregaon case, to be placed under house arrest for a month. The activist, who is 70 years old, said that he was suffering from various health ailments and had asked to be shifted out of jail.
While ordering house arrests, courts have the power to impose conditions as they deem fit, so that the trial is not hampered. In a 2021 case, the Supreme Court ruled that house arrests can also be used as a form of detention. Read more
Gautam Navlakha
Varavara Rao
Sudha Bharadwaj
Elgar Parishad-Bhima Koregaon accused struggle to find house in city
11/11/2022
Hindustan Times / by Charul Shah and Gautam S Mengle
Getting a house in and around the city has been a challenge – both due to financial reasons as well as the fact that they were arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and charged under sections of the UAPA for alleged Naxalite links
The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed Elgar Parishad – Bhima Koregaon violence case accused Gautam Navlakha for a month’s house arrest on account of his old age and ill health. Read more
Supreme Court allows Gautam Navlakha to be shifted to house arrest from jail for 1 month
by Bar & Bench (Nov 10, 2022): #BREAKING Supreme Court allows Gautam Navlakha plea for house arrest instead of being lodged in jail.
Bench led by Justice KM Joseph permits house arrest for a month subject to conditions.
Supreme Court allows Gautam Navlakha’s plea seeking house arrest
10/11/2022
The Leaflet / by Sarah Thanawala
On Thursday, in Gautam Navlakha versus National Investigation Agency and Anr., a division bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Justices K.M. Joseph and Hrishikesh Roy, allowed the plea to place the petitioner, Gautam Navlakha, under house arrest for a period of one month subject to stringent restrictions and conditions.
Journalist and human rights activist Navlakha, an accused in the Bhima Koregaon-Elgar Parishad case, is charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (‘UAPA’). During his custody as an undertrial prisoner, a charge sheet was filed on October 9, 2020, and charges are yet to be filed by the court. The petitioner, in custody since April 2020, stands accused along with 15 others. He is currently lodged at Taloja jail in Mumbai, awaiting trial. Read more
Supreme Court allows Gautam Navlakha to be shifted to house arrest from jail for 1 month
10/11/2022
Bar & Bench / by Abhimanyu Hazarika
The Court directed that Navlakha shall not be permitted to use computer, internet or any other communication device while under house arrest.
The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed a plea filed by Bhima Koregaon accused Gautam Navlakha to be shifted from jail to house arrest for a month.
Navlakha has to deposit an amount of ₹2.4 lakh as expenses for his security cover when he is under house arrest, a bench of Justices KM Joseph and Hrishikesh Roy ordered. Read more
Supreme Court Allows Transfer Of Bhima Koregaon Accused Gautam Navlakha To House Arrest For One Month, Imposes Conditions
10/11/2022
Live Law / by Livelaw News Network
The Supreme Court has ordered that 73-year-old human rights activist Gautam Navlakha, who is in custody in connection with the Bhima Koregaon case, be transferred to house arrest within 48 hours on account of his medical condition. The order is interim in nature and will be reviewed after one month. Read more
Supreme Court Allows Transfer Of Gautam Navlakha To House Arrest For One Month [VIDEO]
SC allows Gautam Navlakha to be under house arrest
10/11/2022
Scroll.in / by Scroll Staff
The 70-year-old activist had cited ill health and poor facilities in prison as the reasons behind his transfer from Taloja Jail.
The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed jailed activist Gautam Navlakha to be under house arrest for a month, Live Law reported. Navlakha had filed a plea seeking to be shifted from jail on grounds of ill health and poor facilities in prison.
A bench headed by Justice KM Joseph ordered jail authorities to carry out the necessary evaluation of the premises where Navlakha will be kept and directed them to shift him within 48 hours. Read more
Live Thread: #SupremeCourt continues hearing plea by Gautam Navlalha seeking house arrest
10/11/2022
By Bar & Bench – Live Threads
#SupremeCourt continues hearing plea by Gautam Navlalha seeking house arrest.
ASG SV Raju: There’s a twist in the tale. We have reason to believe that the medical report is tainted. The doctor at Jaslok hospital is his sister’s husband. Adv: That was never a secret.
ASG: That doctor has a senior position. Please see the medical report. We are investigating. Justice Roy: You are trying to make an argument of prejudice, his was one of many specialists’ opinions. If one of them is related will it make the report biased? Please be responsible with your arguments. … SC: you can deposit 2,40,000 and then have it refunded if you are acquitted.
Sibal: But my lords, that deposit will then keep increasing.
But we will deposit. … Order: We would this think that he should be allowed to be placed for house arrest for a period of one month.
Gautam Navlakha gets Supreme Court relief, to be shifted to house arrest
10/11/2022
The Indian Express / by Express Web Desk
Earlier, the NIA opposed Gautam Navlakha’s plea to be shifted to house arrest, claiming that he is “in touch with Kashmiri extremists” and Pakistani intelligence agency “ISI”.
The Supreme Court Thursday allowed Bhima Koregaon violence case accused Gautam Navlakha to be shifted to house arrest.
In its order, the bench noted, “We consider it appropriate to grant house arrest given his age. Still further, our attention is drawn to the multiple medical problems the petitioner is faced with, and that charges have not been framed in a trial that will not happen in the foreseeable future.” Read more
‘We Are Considering To Send Him On House Arrest, Tell Us What Are The Conditions To Be Imposed’? Supreme Court To NIA In Gautam Navlakha’s Plea
09/11/2022
Live Law / by Livelaw News Network
The Supreme Court is likely to pronounce tomorrow the order on the application moved by Bhima Koregaon case accused Gautam Navlakha seeking transfer to house arrest on account of his medical condition.
“This Court has considered house arrest as a form of custody… All kinds of restrictions. We will try out. He’s not in the best of health,” the Top Court said after an hour-long hearing. Read more
The corrupt destroy the country, Supreme Court counters government in Gautam Navlakha case
09/11/2022
The Hindu / by Krishnadas Rajagopal
Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju had said that people like activist Navlakha want to destroy the country
A Supreme Court Bench stated on November 9 that it is corrupt who destroy the country, in a sharp response to the government’s claim that people like activist Gautam Navlakha, who is charged under UAPA in the Bhima Koregaon case for alleged Maoist links, “want to destroy the country and their ideology is that type”. Read more
SC Says It May Put Gautam Navlakha Under House Arrest
09/11/2022
The Wire / by The Wire Staff
The top court asked the National Investigation Agency to inform it about the kind of restrictions that should be enforced while the activist is under house arrest.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday indicated that it may place activist Gautam Navlakha, arrested in the Elgar Parishad case, under house arrest, asking the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to inform it about the kind of restrictions that should be enforced.
The top court asked additional solicitor general (ASG) S.V. Raju, appearing for the NIA, to seek instructions and inform it. Read more
#SupremeCourt hearing plea by activist Gautam Navlakha
Thread by Bar & Bench – Live Threads (Nov 9, 2022:)
#SupremeCourt hearing plea by activist Gautam Navlakha, accused in #BhimaKoregaon case, seeking house arrest
Sr Adv Kapil Sibal: Medical reports show he cannot receive the treatment needed in jail. [Reads from reports]
ASG SV Raju: Only got them today. Will need time to examine. Sibal continues reading …
by The Times of India (Nov 9, 2022):
SC asks NIA to brief the court tomorrow on what kind of restrictions it wanted for social activist Gautam Navlakha if he is allowed to come out of jail and be kept under house arrest
Supreme Court directs parties to inspect Gautam Navlakha’s medical reports
21/10/2022
The Leaflet / by The Leaflet
As the Supreme Court is set to hear Navlakha’s plea for house arrest to facilitate his medical treatment, his latest medical reports assume significance.
ON Thursday, in Gautam Navlakha versus National Investigation Agency and Anr., a division bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Justices K.M. Joseph and Hrishikesh Roy, permitted the parties to inspect Navlakha’s medical reports sent by Jaslok Hospital, where he was taken for urgent medical examinations.
Seventy-year old journalist and human rights activist Navlakha, an accused in the Bhima Koregaon-Elgar Parishad case, is charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and is awaiting trial. Read more
SC allows NIA to inspect health reports of activist Gautam Navlakha
21/10/2022
Scroll.in / by Scroll Staff
The court had ordered the authorities to admit the activist to a hospital while hearing his plea to be placed under house arrest.
The Supreme Court on Friday allowed the National Investigation Agency and other parties to the Bhima Koregaon case to inspect the health reports of activist Gautam Navlakha, reported Live Law.
The Supreme Court is hearing the activist’s petition seeking to to be placed under house arrest. Navlakha has cited his ill health and poor facilities at the Taloja Jail as reasons for his demand.
… The court adjourned the matter till November 9. Read more
Supreme Court Allows Parties To Inspect Hospital Reports On Bhima Koregaon Case Accused Gautam Navlakha’s Health Status
21/10/2022
Live Law / by Rintu Mariam Biju
The Supreme Court of India on Friday allowed the parties to inspect the reports filed by the hospital regarding Bhima Koregaon case accused, Gautam Navlakha’s health status.
On September 29, the Supreme Court had directed for Navlakha to be taken to a hospital of choice for a thorough medical check-up after Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal argued that he had many health complications. The Hospital was also asked to submit a report to the Court based on the check-up.
A Bench of Justices KM Joseph and Hrishikesh Roy was considering a petition moved by Navlakha seeking transfer to house arrest. Read more
SC to hear on Nov 9 Navlakha’s plea seeking house arrest
21/10/2022
The Indian Express / by Express News Service
Navlakha, who was lodged in Taloja jail, had approached the SC challenging the Bombay High Court decision rejecting the prayer to place him under house arrest.
Deferring the hearing to November 9 on a plea by Gautam Navlakha, who is behind bars under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in the Bhima Koregaon case, seeking house arrest, the Supreme Court on Friday allowed the parties to inspect his medical reports submitted by the Jaslok Hospital where he was taken for a medical check-up. Read more
It is time that the right to health becomes a reality, in letter and spirit to every person, irrespective of their incarceration status. This will have to be done through a wide scale, public health campaign, and rapid recruitment of qualified doctors with training in evidence-based medicine that can provide adequate care to prisoners.
It has been good law in India since Bandhua Mukti Morcha versus Union of India (1983) that the right to health is a fundamental part of right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution…
However, what happens when you are a political prisoner in India? These rights are vitiated, and the process becomes the punishment. Read more
● Video: The Conditions of Prisoners in Indian Jails
By All India Lawyers’ Association for Justice – AILAJ / March 2022
en | 1:21:23 | 2022
The huge number of undertrials, the overcrowding, and the disproportional numbers of Dalit, Muslim and Adivasi prisoners are part of the prison problem in India.
We are joined by Adv. Sudha Bharadwaj for a discussion on the Conditions of Prisoners in Indian Jails. Watch video
Try hugging your child with one arm
Political leaders on Saturday shared the stage with relatives and friends of activists imprisoned in terror cases, listening to how bail remained a mirage for years and police prevented the accused even from hugging their children in court.
Besides the release of their loved ones, most of the speakers demanded a repeal of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) which made bail difficult to obtain, and alleged that an “undeclared emergency” had turned the country into a “police state”. Read more
Also read:
Report: UAPA – CRIMINALISING DISSENT AND STATE TERROR (PUCL / Sep 2022) Download report
Press Release: India Behind Bars – The Cost Of Free Speech
by AILAJ (Oct 8, 2022):
AILAJ co-organised ‘India Behind Bars’ press conference in the Press Club of India with
@AISA_tweets and @ryaindia. Hundreds of students, teachers, activists and concerned citizens of Delhi joined us.
By AISA (Oct 8, 2022):
Despite heavy rains, students, citizens of Delhi flooded the Press Club of India in solidarity with different political prisoners incarcerated under acts like UAPA, PSA, NIA etc. #FreeAllPoliticalPrisoners #IndiaBehindBars
Recording by Millat Times: India Behind Bars: The Cost Of Free Speech (Excerpt)
by Akash (Oct 6, 2022):
To quote Com. Ravi Rai @ravirai2015: “Those behind bars spoke up for us, it’s time for us to speak up for them.” #DelhiPogrom #bhimakoregaon
Join the Press Conference on 8 October at the Press Club. #FreeAllPoliticalPrisoners #RepealUAPA
by AILAJ_HQ (Oct 5, 2022)
Join us on 8th Oct at 4 p.m. at the Press Club of India, New Delhi for a press conference on India Behind Bars: The Cost of Free Speech where we demand the scrapping of draconian laws and release of political prisoners.
click to enlarge poster
#ReleaseAllPoliticalPrisoners
click to enlarge posters
Also read:
Report: UAPA – CRIMINALISING DISSENT AND STATE TERROR (PUCL / Sep 2022) Download report
Supreme Court Directs To Take Gautam Navlakha To Hospital Immediately
Supreme Court declines Gautam Navlakha’s plea for house arrest, directs immediate medical treatment
29/09/2022
The Leaflet / by Sarah Thanawala
On Thursday, in Gautam Navlakha versus National Investigation Agency and Anr., a division bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Justices K.M. Joseph and Hrishikesh Roy, denied petitioner Gautam Navlakha’s plea to transfer him from Taloja Central Jail, where he is currently lodged, and place him in house arrest for two weeks to enable him to undergo colonoscopy. The court, however, passed an urgent order directing Navlakha to be immediately taken for a thorough medical treatment. Read more
Gautam Navlakha to be shifted to hospital, Supreme Court orders jail authorities
29/09/2022
Live Law / by Rintu Mariam Biju
While considering the petition filed by Bhima Koregaon case accused Gautam Navlakha seeking transfer to house arrest, the Supreme Court on Thursday directed that he be taken to a hospital of his choice immediately for a thorough medical check-up.
The Court will consider his plea next on October 21. The hospital has been asked to submit a report to the Court based on the check-up. Read more
Gautam Navlakha to be shifted to hospital, Supreme Court orders jail authorities
29/09/2022
Scroll.in. / by Scroll Staff
The court initially read an order allowing the activist to be put under house arrest, but revised it after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed the judgement.
The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Taloja jail authorities to admit activist Gautam Navlakha to a hospital for medical check up and treatment, reported Live Law. The court said he will remain under police custody during his treatment. Read more
by PantherAjay (May 27, 2022):
