The Supreme Court Today (April 9th) remarked that activist Gautam Navlakha could not escape his liability to pay security costs for his house arrest.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India today highlighted that activist Gautam Navlakha, involved in the Bhima Koregaon riot case of 2018, bears the financial responsibility for the security costs associated with his house arrest. This clarification came amidst a legal tussle over the amount owed by Navlakha to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which the Agency pegs at approximately Rs 1.64 crore.
The observation was made by a Bench comprising Justices MM Sundresh and SVN Bhatti, emphasizing that Navlakha’s choice for house arrest entails an obligation to bear the associated security expenses.
“If you have asked for it (house arrest), you have to pay (the costs for security cover). You cannot escape your liability,”
-the Court said.
The dialogue in the courtroom unfolded against the backdrop of the NIA’s challenge to a Bombay High Court order granting bail to Navlakha, intertwining with deliberations on the specifics of his house arrest conditions. Advocate Shadan Farasat, representing Navlakha, signaled readiness to settle the dues but contested the amount calculated by the NIA.
In response, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju, representing the NIA, expressed skepticism about Navlakha’s commitment to paying, urging a tangible resolution over mere assurances.
Everytime they say this. I want to see the currency paper, not your file.”
Justice Bhatti intervened and emphasised that the parties needed to cooperate.
“The numbers will continue to fly as long as the lawyers are…You people do not listen to us at all. Instead of letting it reach highest level, we will give one week time. Next Friday. Whatever allegations you both have to say, say it then. We will decide,”
-he said.
Justice Bhatti underscored the need for cooperation between the parties, stressing the importance of resolving the dispute amicably without escalating tensions. He proposed a timeline for the parties to present their allegations and evidences, setting a hearing date for April 19.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court extended the interim stay on Navlakha’s bail until the aforementioned date, ensuring that the matter would receive a comprehensive review in due course.
Gautam Navlakha, a noted human rights activist and former Secretary of the People’s Union for Democratic Rights (PUDR), has been under the enforcement agency’s radar since his arrest in August 2018. Initially detained in prison, Navlakha was shifted to house arrest in November 2022 following a Supreme Court directive, which considered his advanced age among other factors.
Since then, Navlakha has been confined to his residence in Navi Mumbai, marking a protracted legal battle that underscores the complexities surrounding the conditions of house arrest and the financial obligations tied to it.
Click Here to Read Previous Reports on Gautam Navlakha
FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES
