New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday permitted the Bhima Koregaon case accused Gautam Navlakha to be placed under house arrest considering his old age and health condition, reported news agency ANI. Navlakha requested the top court that he be placed under house arrest instead of judicial custody in Maharashtra’s Taloja jail, the report added.
The apex court asked the Maharashtra government to carry out a necessary evaluation of the place where Navlakha will be under house arrest. After evaluation, the petitioner shall be placed under house arrest within 48 hours, it said.
The Supreme Court has said that Navlakha shall not use any mobile phone, laptop, or any communication device. He shall only use the phone provided to him by police personnel on duty, once a day for 10 minutes in the presence of police. Armed escorts outside will ensure no misuse of house arrest, it added.
Navlakha has been allowed to live with his partner without using his partner’s phone. He will be allowed to meet two family members once a week, the report stated.
He will have to deposit a demand draft of Rs 2.40 lakh by name of Navi Mumbai CP, as the expenses to be incurred for constables' deployment.
The Supreme Court further directed that Navlakha shall not be allowed to leave Mumbai/Navi Mumbai. CCTVs shall be installed at the entrance, exit and outside the rooms of his residence. The apex court has said that no e-gadgets should be allowed, TV without internet and newspapers to be allowed. He shall be permitted to meet his lawyers.
The apex court said that agencies are at liberty to keep inspecting the residence, however, observing that this should not be a ruse to harass the petitioner.