The Supreme Court of India is set to take up the bail application of activist Jyoti Jagtap on Monday, September 9, in connection with the Elgar Parishad–Maoist links case, in which she has been under arrest since 2020.
The matter will be heard by a bench comprising Justices M M Sundresh and Satish Chandra Sharma. On the same day, the court is also expected to hear a petition filed by the National Investigation Agency challenging the Bombay High Court’s order that granted bail to another accused, activist Mahesh Raut.
Jagtap’s Alleged Role In Elgar Parishad Event
Jyoti Jagtap, a member of the Kabir Kala Manch (KKM) — a cultural group under scrutiny by security agencies — was arrested in September 2020. The NIA alleges she played a role in inciting violence through provocative performances at the Elgar Parishad conclave, which was held on December 31, 2017, at Pune’s historic Shaniwarwada fort.
The Bombay High Court, while rejecting her earlier bail plea, observed, “We are of the considered opinion that there are reasonable grounds for believing the allegations or accusations of the NIA against the appellant having conspired, attempted, advocated and abetted the commission of a terrorist act as prima facie true.”
The High Court had concluded that her participation, particularly in delivering what it called “aggressive and highly provocative slogans,” pointed toward deeper involvement in activities considered unlawful under anti-terror laws.
NIA Links Cultural Group To Maoist Activity
According to the NIA, the Kabir Kala Manch operates as a front for the Communist Party of India (Maoist), a banned extremist organization. The agency argues that Jagtap and others used art and music to propagate Maoist ideology and mobilize people, which allegedly contributed to unrest.
Her bail plea had earlier been rejected by a special court in February 2022, a decision that was upheld by the High Court. Monday’s hearing will revisit this issue, considering whether continued incarceration is justified.
Bhima Koregaon Violence & Its Aftermath
The Elgar Parishad event has been linked to the Bhima Koregaon clashes that broke out on January 1, 2018, on the outskirts of Pune. Investigators claim that speeches made during the event were inflammatory and triggered the violence that followed.
Several prominent activists, including academics, lawyers, and artists, were later arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) as part of the same investigation. Jagtap has remained in judicial custody for over 3 years.
Raut Bail Challenge Also In Focus
The Supreme Court will also examine the NIA’s challenge to Mahesh Raut’s bail, which was granted by the Bombay High Court but stayed after the agency contested the order. Raut, like Jagtap, is accused of being involved in Maoist-linked activities.
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