Elgar Parishad Case: SC To Hear Accused Bail Plea On Medical Grounds On Sep 15

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to take up the bail petition of Mahesh Raut, an accused in the Elgar Parishad–Bhima Koregaon case, citing serious medical concerns.

A bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and Satish Chandra Sharma will hear the matter on September 15, as Raut challenges his continued detention despite being granted bail by the Bombay High Court.

Bail Granted But Stayed By NIA’s Request

Earlier, the court allowed Raut’s bail petition but stayed the release for a week after the National Investigation Agency intervened. The Supreme Court later extended that stay, keeping him in custody pending further proceedings.

Raut’s lawyer informed the court that the activist is suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that requires specialised treatment unavailable in prison facilities or at the JJ Hospital where he was examined. The lawyer requested that the court consider allowing Raut’s release for medical reasons.

“If the prison hospital can file a status report, and we can take him for a medical examination… JJ hospital doesn’t have the facilities for this,” the counsel submitted, urging the court to grant bail on humanitarian grounds.

Court Open To Exploring Medical Relief

The bench acknowledged the plea but opted for caution, stating that authorities should submit details before deciding. “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 serious treatment is required, they will not touch it because if anything happens then they will be responsible. So let’s just find out, no problem,” the bench remarked.

The court asked the authorities to file an affidavit explaining Raut’s health condition and adjourned the matter for further hearing next Tuesday.

Duration Of Custody Also Considered

Raut’s counsel pointed out that the activist has spent nearly 7 years in prison. Justice Sundresh responded affirmatively, “No issue at all, we will consider it. Keep next Tuesday.”

Elgar Parishad–Bhima Koregaon Case

Raut is one of several individuals accused in the Elgar Parishad–Bhima Koregaon case, a widely debated matter involving activists and cultural workers. The controversy traces back to a conclave held in December 2017 at Shaniwarwada in Pune, where investigators claim inflammatory speeches led to the violence that erupted in Koregaon-Bhima on January 1, 2018.

Another accused, Sagar Gorkhe alias Jagtap, was arrested in September 2020 on allegations of raising provocative slogans with members of Kabir Kala Manch. He has remained in jail since his arrest.

The court is also expected to hear the bail plea of Jyoti Jagtap, another activist arrested in 2020 as part of investigations into alleged Maoist links.