The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): The Supreme Court on Tuesday declared that activist-journalist Gautam Navlakha must fulfill his financial obligation of Rs 1.64 crore towards the Maharashtra government for the security provided during his house arrest. This security setup was instituted following his own request, linked to health concerns amid legal proceedings.
Navlakha, embroiled in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, had his house arrest conditions scrutinized by a bench comprising Justices M M Sundresh and S V N Bhatti. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) highlighted that the extensive security arrangement necessitated significant expenditure, for which Navlakha is accountable.
The discussion in court revolved around Navlakha’s commitment to bear the costs of his security, a condition of the house arrest agreement facilitated by his legal team’s assurances. Despite previous payments exceeding Rs 10 lakh, the NIA contends that Navlakha is now reluctant to settle the full amount due.
Navlakha’s legal representation contested the calculation of the security costs but acknowledged the responsibility to pay. This financial dispute occurs alongside ongoing legal challenges, including an NIA appeal against a Bombay High Court order that had granted Navlakha bail, which remains temporarily stayed by the Supreme Court.
As the case progresses, with the next hearing scheduled for April 23, the Supreme Court has maintained its interim stay and expects a resolution on the financial disputes concerning the security expenses soon. This case not only highlights the complexities of legal and financial responsibilities during house arrests but also underscores the broader tensions within India’s judicial handling of security and political dissent.