28 July 2023, Mumbai: The Supreme Court, on Friday, issued bail to activists Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, taking into account their five-year detention. Justices Aniruddha Bose and Sudhanshu Dhulia granted bail to Gonsalves and Ferreira, subject to certain stringent conditions.
Bail Conditions Set
As per the court’s ruling, Gonsalves and Ferreira are not allowed to leave Maharashtra without obtaining permission from the trial court. They must also surrender their passports to the investigating officer of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Additional restrictions include limitations on their place of residence and the use of mobile phones, among other conditions.
Mobile Phone Usage Monitored
The Supreme Court directed the activists to use one mobile phone each and notify the NIA of their respective addresses. The NIA is currently investigating the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, and the court mandated that the activists maintain regular communication with the investigating agency.
Appeal Against Bombay High Court Order
Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira had approached the Supreme Court after the Bombay High Court denied their bail pleas. They argued that the HC had granted bail to their co-accused, Sudha Bharadwaj, while refusing the same relief to them.
Background of the Case
The case dates back to the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on December 31, 2017, which the Pune police claimed was funded by Maoists. Allegedly, the provocative speeches made during the conclave led to violence at the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial in Pune the following day, resulting in one person’s death.
Detention and Charges
Activists Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira were arrested in August 2018 and were charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Along with other activists Sudha Bharadwaj, P Vara Vara Rao, and Gautam Navlakha, they were initially put under house arrest on the orders of the Supreme Court.