In a recent development, former Delhi University professor Hany Babu, an accused in the Bhima Koregaon violence case, has withdrawn his bail plea in the Supreme Court. Citing a “change of circumstance,” Babu’s lawyer, Payoshi Roy, stated that he intends to move the Bombay High Court for bail, following the high court’s decision to grant bail to five co-accused individuals.
The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices Bela M Trivedi and Pankaj Mithal, allowed Babu to withdraw his petition, noting it as “not pressed.” Roy expressed the change in circumstance, highlighting that five co-accused had already been granted bail. She requested liberty to approach the high court again for bail, to which the Supreme Court declined, advising her to inform the High Court about the change in circumstances.
This development comes after the Supreme Court had issued a notice on Babu’s bail plea earlier in January, with responses sought from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the state of Maharashtra. The case was last heard on March 3, during which the NIA was granted additional time to file a response.
Babu’s appeal to the top court was against a Bombay High Court order from September 19, 2022, which had denied him bail in the Bhima Koregaon violence case. He has been in jail for the past four years, with the trial yet to commence. Babu’s plea also emphasized his innocence, citing lack of evidence against him apart from code names found on his laptop. However, the High Court, in its order, noted his alleged active involvement in the conspiracy related to the violence.
Hany Babu faces charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). In February 2022, the special NIA court rejected his bail plea, asserting a prima facie case against him for promoting the agenda of the banned outfit Communist Party of India (Maoist).
The High Court’s order stated, “The appellant (Babu) is not just a passive member but an active member,” indicating his significant role in the alleged conspiracy. It further mentioned his responsibilities within the Revolutionary Democratic Front, described as a frontal organization of the CPI(Maoist).
Sources By Agencies
