Bhima Koregaon case: SC issues notice on Varavara Rao's plea for permanent bail on medical grounds

The apex court had earlier on July 12 extended Varavara Rao's interim protection till further orders

The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought response from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on a plea filed by Bhima Koregaon case accused, P Varavara Rao, seeking permanent bail on medical grounds.

A bench headed by Justice U.U. Lalit issued notice on the plea, and said it would be heard on August 10. The top court observed that the interim protection granted to Mr. Rao would continue.

The apex court had earlier on July 12 extended Rao's interim protection till further orders.

The 83-year-old, who has challenged the Bombay High Court's April 13 order rejecting his plea for permanent bail on medical grounds, is currently on interim bail on medical grounds and he was to surrender on July 12.

When the matter came up for hearing on Tuesday, the apex court asked Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S.V. Raju that if he wishes to file something, the court would grant him time.

"We have not formally issued notice. In case you are agreeable, then we will go to the final hearing and in case you wish to put in something, we will grant you time,” the bench, also comprising Justices S.R. Bhat and Sudhanshu Dhulia, said.

The bench observed that in a matter like this where only the medical condition is the issue, it is not something which would require extensive hearing. The ASG said he wanted time to file something in the matter.