The Supreme Court has extended interim bail for Mahesh Raut in the Bhima Koregaon–Elgar Parishad case till November 26. The activist, facing UAPA charges, was granted relief on medical grounds due to his ongoing health issues.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India has extended the interim bail of Mahesh Sitaram Raut, an academic and activist accused in the Bhima Koregaon–Elgar Parishad case, until November 26, 2025. Raut, who has been lodged in Taloja Jail since 2018, faces charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, for his alleged links with the banned CPI (Maoist).
Background
Mahesh Raut has been embroiled in the Bhima Koregaon–Elgar Parishad case for over seven years. The case, which has attracted nationwide attention, involves alleged Maoist links and activities considered unlawful under the UAPA. Raut was initially denied bail by both the Pune Sessions Court and the Special NIA Court in Mumbai.
He subsequently approached the Bombay High Court, which granted him bail on September 21, 2023, citing that certain sections of the UAPA were applicable while others were not. However, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) challenged the bail, leading to the High Court’s order being stayed, and later extended by the Supreme Court.
Medical Grounds for Bail
Raut has been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a condition that reportedly cannot be adequately treated in prison or even at J.J. Hospital. During hearings, Justice MM Sundresh of the Supreme Court emphasized the importance of medical treatment, noting that if a condition is serious enough to warrant continuous care, authorities should ensure proper medical attention. Justice Sundresh remarked,
“If the ailment is so serious that it warrants continuous treatment, then there is no difficulty… Because all of us know that government doctors play it safe. If a serious treatment is required, they will not touch it because if anything happens then they will be responsible.”
The Supreme Court had earlier granted interim bail on September 16, 2025, for six weeks, which has now been extended to November 26, 2025. The case will be reviewed after the expiry of this extended bail period.
Judicial Observations
During the hearings, the court allowed the State and prison authorities to file affidavits regarding Raut’s medical condition and treatment availability. The Supreme Court’s decision reflects a careful balance between the enforcement of anti-terror laws and the humane treatment of prisoners with serious health conditions.
Case Title:
JYOTI JAGTAP VERSUS NATIONAL INVESTIGATING AGENCY & ANR.
Criminal Appeal No(s). 2598/2023
Read Order:
