Govt Will Take Care Of Him In Custody: Supreme Court Refuses To Entertain Plea Of Varavara Rao To Modify Bail Conditions Citing Financial Crunch

Today, the Supreme Court refused to entertain the plea of P. Varavara Rao to modify the bail conditions not to leave Greater Mumbai without the express permission from the Trial Court. The plea was then withdrawn by Rao. 

Rao was granted regular bail in August, 2022 on account of his medical conditions. He was accused of making inflammatory speeches at the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on December 31, 2017, which triggered violence the next day near the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial located on the outskirts of the western Maharashtra city.

The Bench of Justice J.K Maheshwari and Justice Vijay Bishnoi heard the matter and remarked, "He may be of 85... we are not interested."

Senior Advocate Anand Grover, appearing on behalf of Rao, submitted that Rao was granted bail on medical grounds and he has been on bail for the past four years.

"But his health is deteriorating...and there is nobody to look after him. Today also he fell from dizziness", said Grover.

"We will take care of him in custody", said Justice Maheshwari.

Grover insisted that Rao is 85 years old. However, Justice Maheshwari chipped in and remarked, "He may be of 85... otherwise go to the same Court, we are not interested."

Thereafter, Grover continued to submit and apprised the Court that the Rao's wife was no longer staying with him due to her ill health.

"He is alone. He has to spend around Rs. 76,000 per month, but he has pension of Rs. 50,000. He cannot hire anyone", said Grover.

"Therefore, we are saying Mr. Grover Government will take care of your health", Justice Maheshwari said.

Upon which, Grover continued to insist that Rao will report to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). However, the Bench refused to entertain the Miscellaneous Application filed to modify the bail conditions.

Accordingly, Grover requested for permission to withdraw the application. The same was allowed by the Supreme Court.

Background

While granting bail to Rao in 2022, the Supreme Court imposed the condition that Rao shall not leave the area of Greater Mumbai without the express permission from the Trial Court. A Miscellaneous Application was filed to modify the said condition. 

Earlier, on multiple occasions, the Bombay High Court declined Rao's permanent medical bail in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case.

Cause Title: P. Varavara Rao V. Union of India (MA 1675-1676/2025 in Crl.A. No. 1206/2022 II-A)