Bombay High Court Requests NIA Response on Varavara Rao’s Relocation Plea to Hyderabad

The Bombay High Court has called upon the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to submit its response to a petition filed by Varavara Rao, the well-known activist and poet currently out on bail in connection with the Bhima Koregaon case. The court session took place on Friday, where a division bench comprising Justices AS Gadkari and Kamal Khata instructed the NIA to file its reply within a two-week timeframe, after which the court will further deliberate on the matter.

Rao, who is 85 years old, turned to the High Court after a special NIA court in Mumbai rejected his application seeking permission to move permanently from Mumbai to Hyderabad. According to legal sources, Rao’s petition highlights the considerable difficulties he faces in Mumbai due to his advanced age, health issues, and rising living costs. In his application, he mentioned that moving to Hyderabad would allow him the necessary family support, as he owns a house there and has relatives nearby.

The financial strain of living in Mumbai has also been a significant concern for Rao, who shared that his monthly expenses exceed Rs 77,000 while his pension amounts to approximately Rs 50,000. This disparity has made his current living situation increasingly challenging, prompting his request for relocation. Rao was arrested in August 2018 at his residence in Hyderabad and was granted medical bail by the Supreme Court in August 2022, under strict conditions that require him to obtain permission from the trial court for any travel outside its jurisdiction.

In September, the Supreme Court refused to alter these bail conditions, which further complicates Rao’s situation. His plea to relocate is not just a matter of personal preference but stems from urgent needs related to health and family support. The upcoming response from the NIA will play a crucial role in determining the next steps for Rao and could set a precedent for other cases with similar circumstances.

This development in the Bhima Koregaon case continues to attract attention, reflecting broader concerns about the treatment of activists and the legal processes surrounding such high-profile cases in India. As the court awaits the NIA’s response, the implications of this case resonate deeply within the realms of civil rights and justice in the country.

Source: scroll.in