Bhima-Koregaon case: Activist Sudha Bharadwaj released from Byculla prison

Activist Sudha Bharadwaj leaving Byculla prison. Pic/Bipin Kokate

Activist Sudha Bharadwaj accused in the Bhima-Koregaon Maoist links case has been released from Byculla prison on Thursday.

On December 1, the High Court had granted Bharadwaj default bail, saying, that the extension of time for investigation and detention under provisions of Section 43D(2) of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and Section 167(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure had not been done by a court of competent jurisdiction.

The High Court, however, directed a Mumbai special NIA court to take up the case on December 8 and decide on the conditions of her bail and date of release.

The Special NIA court on Wednesday set conditions for bail for activist and lawyer Sudha Bharadwaj.

The High Court said the guarantee of personal liberty under Article 21 (right to life) of the Constitution cannot be thwarted on technical grounds that her plea for default bail was premature.

The court had directed that she be released on a bond of Rs 50,000 and two sureties. The court has set some other stringent conditions similar to those set for co-accused Varavara Rao who was granted bail on medical grounds. As per the court's order she is to reside within its jurisdiction.

She should not leave the jurisdiction of the special NIA court in Mumbai without its permission. She should inform the court and the NIA immediately about her place of residence within the jurisdiction, and her contact numbers, as also those of her relatives residing with her.

(With inputs from Faizan Khan, ANI)