The Bombay High Court has sought a response from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on a plea filed by octogenarian poet and activist Varavara Rao, seeking permission to shift his residence from Mumbai to Hyderabad during the pendency of his bail.
Varavara Rao, aged 84, was arrested in November 2018 as one of the accused in the Bhima Koregaon-Elgar Parishad case and was granted bail by the Bombay High Court in 2021 on medical grounds. As a condition of his bail, he was required to reside in Mumbai. He has now sought modification of this condition to allow him to return to his hometown of Hyderabad.
The Bhima Koregaon Case
The Bhima Koregaon case pertains to alleged Naxal links and a conspiracy to incite violence at the Bhima Koregaon commemoration event on January 1, 2018, in Pune, which turned violent. Several activists, academics, and civil society members were arrested in connection with the case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The NIA took over the investigation in 2020.
Other accused in the case include Sudha Bharadwaj, Anand Teltumbde, and several others. Some accused persons have been granted bail by the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court on various grounds.
Varavara Rao’s Current Situation
Varavara Rao was granted bail in February 2021 by the Bombay High Court on medical grounds, after concerns were raised about his deteriorating health. He has been residing in Mumbai under the terms of his bail. His family and supporters have sought his return to Hyderabad, citing his advanced age, health conditions, and the need for him to be with his family.
NIA’s Likely Response
The NIA is expected to file its reply to the plea. The agency is likely to object to any modification of the bail conditions, citing the seriousness of the charges and the importance of maintaining proximity to the Bombay High Court for ongoing proceedings. The Court will consider both sides before deciding on the request.
Court: Bombay High Court | Source: LiveLaw | June 2026
