The Supreme Court while rejecting the default bail application of activist Gautam Navlakha had observed embracing the international practice of putting the accused under house arrest in deserving and suitable cases as a means to decongest prisons.
The Bombay High Court on Tuesday, has reserved its verdict in the plea filed by Bhima Koregaon accused Gautam Navlakha asking to be transferred from Taloja prison and be given house arrest.
Justice IP Mukerji said: We are almost under full lockdown. This probe started in 2017. They were not arrested then and probe was completed without arresting them. Why do you think they need to be arrested now and prevented from discharging their public duties?”
The Supreme Court has observed that under section 167 Criminal Procedure Code in appropriate cases it will be open to courts to order “house arrest” while dismissing the statutory bail plea filed by social activist Gautam Navlakha in Bhima Koregaon Case.