He also argued that Navlakha’s writings against violence by the Maoists had earned praise from Nobel award-winning economist, Amartya Sen.
A single bench of Justice P.D. Naik was hearing the anticipatory bail application (ABA) of Navlakha and another accused in the case, Professor Anand Teltumbde.
On Friday, Yug Chowdhary, Navlakha’s counsel, challenged the Pune sessions court order refusing bail to Navlakha. He informed the high court that many a time, Navlakha had played the role of a mediator between the Naxalites and the government, and thus brokered peace.
Advocate Chowdhary further argued that Navlakha’s writings against violence by the Maoists had earned praise from thinkers and criticism from the Naxals, who saw him as an agent of the state. He also argued that the state could not produce documents in a sealed envelope which he could not contest.
He said that the police had not recorded his statement as of now. Advocate Chowdhary concluded his arguments Friday. Monday onwards, professor Teltumbde’s counsel Mihir Desai will begin arguments for ABA.
The Pune police in January 2018 booked Navlakha, professor Teltumbde and several other activists for their alleged involvement in the riots that took place at Bhima-Koregaon on January 1, 2018. According to the Pune police, all the accused were active members of the banned organisation, CPI Maoist.
