Bhima-Koregaon Case: CJI Dipak Misra had reserved the judgment on September 20 (File)
The Supreme Court today ruled that the house arrest of the activists arrested in connection with Bhima-Koregaon violence will continue for another four weeks. The court heard the case after a plea was moved by historian Romila Thapar against the arrest. A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra had reserved the judgment on September 20 after counsel for both parties, including senior advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Harish Salve and Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, concluded their submissions.The five activists --Varavara Rao, Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, Sudha Bharadwaj and Gautam Navlakha-- are under arrest at their respective homes since August 29.
Here are the live updates on Supreme Court proceedings in Bhima-Koregaon Case:
Reading out Justice Chandrachud's judgement, Vrinda Grover says, "The court is conscious to the principles of criminal justice but it cannot ignore the importance of individual liberty. We just asked for a fair probe."
"While an FIR says Ekbhote incited violence, he was released on bail," says Vrinda Grover.
"4 weeks given, court has stated they (activists) must be left alone while the probe goes on. Police haven't got a go-ahead to arrest but to probe in a legal way; not to harass. Arrest comes at the end of a viable process of probe, not meant to be the first action, must make that clear," says Maja Daruwala, police reform activist.
Activists' Arrest: "Arbitrary arrests are a source of anxiety for all," says Romila Thapar
"It has always been assumed that a democratic set up respects the right of people, even the right to dissent," Romila Thapar said.
"Our petition was to check the erosion of these rights. We are pleased to note that the rights of the activists have not been jeopardised," she said.
"We, the petititoners, approached the Supreme Court when 5 of the activists were arrested on Aug 28 under ULPA," historian Romila Thapar said.
"But we believe there are two kinds of terrorism that create fear and undermine democracy," she added.
"One is violent terrorism, and second is harassing those who don't conform to the norms set by their masters," she said.
This judgement by the Supreme Court is a win for India. This verdict is also an indictment of the Congress. Rahul Gandhi is standing with Gautam Navlakha who wants Referendum in Kashmir and doesn't consider Kashmir as an integral part of India: Sambit Patra, BJP
They were attempting to trigger a civil war in the country. They were trying to shield the Naxals and to kill PM Modi. Now everything is being revealed: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis
We welcome the Supreme Court's decision. On the basis of investigation conducted and evidence collected by the Pune Police, it has been considered valid and the court has said it'll not interfere in the investigation: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis
Action against the activists is not politically motivated: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis
We have sufficient material to convict them: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis
We welcome this order that the Supreme Court found merits in our intervention. We've been given 4 weeks protection to approach lower courts. So, obviously we will be reaching lower court shortly: Advocate Susan Abraham, wife of activist Varnan Gonsalves
Letters alleged to be written by Sudha Bhardwaj flashed on TV. Police's selective disclosure casts cloud on fair probe: Justice Chandrachud
Dissent is symbol of vibrant democracy: Justice Chandrachud
When someone says there is a plot to assassinate the prime minister, it must be investigated, but it cannot be vague allegations bereft of materials: Justice Chandrachud
The five activists --Varavara Rao, Arun Ferreira, Vernon Gonsalves, Sudha Bharadwaj and Gautam Navlakha-- are under arrest at their respective homes since August 29.
This is a fit case for SIT. Sufficient material placed before us to order SIT: Justice Chandrachud
The conduct of the police was to use media to cast aspersion on the activists: Justice Chandrachud
The court has to be vigilant that liberty is not sacrificed on the altar of conjecture: Justice Chandrachud
There is no basis to link the activists with the allegations by police: Justice Chandrachud
Serious concern and cloud over the probe over police action for briefing and using electronics media: Justice Chandrachud
Five citizens invoked extraordinary jurisdiction of this court: Justice Chandrachud
Justice DY Chandrachud gave a dissenting verdict.
The Supreme Court turned down the request - moved by petitioners - of setting up a special investigating team.
We are not making any observations as it may hamper the case: Justice Khanwilkar
Petitioner can take recourse of law. House arrest to continue for 4 weeks: Justice Khanwilkar
The accused had already resorted to legal remedy before courts: Justice Khanwilkar
It is not a case of arrest because of dissent: Justice Khanwilkar
Justice Kanwilkar reading the verdict.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra had reserved the judgment on September 20 after counsel for both parties, including senior advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Harish Salve and Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, concluded their submissions.