Human rights activist and professor Anand Teltumbde has withdrawn his request to travel abroad for work-related obligations after the Bombay High Court indicated it was not inclined to grant permission. Teltumbde had sought to visit Amsterdam and the United Kingdom to deliver lectures, having been invited by various institutions. He is accused in the Elgar Parishad – Bhima Koregaon case.
A division bench comprising Justices Ajay Gadkari and Ranjitsinha Bhonsale expressed concerns regarding Teltumbde’s potential to abscond, a position supported by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Justice Gadkari suggested that Teltumbde consider virtual lectures instead, stating, “Either give virtual lectures or don’t go,” in reference to the NIA’s objections regarding the plea.
Senior advocate Mihir Desai, representing Teltumbde, emphasized the significance of his engagements, explaining that his client planned not just to deliver lectures, but also to conduct seminars at multiple universities. However, NIA special counsel Chintan Shah cautioned that Teltumbde’s potential flight risk warranted a denial of his request.
Justice Gadkari noted the rejection of Teltumbde’s discharge application by the special NIA court contributed to the apprehension surrounding his travel. Ultimately, with the bench unconvinced by Desai’s arguments, Teltumbde opted to withdraw his plea.
Teltumbde’s original appeal was based on invitations from prestigious institutions including the University of Amsterdam and Nottingham Trent University. He aimed to travel to Amsterdam on April 1 and the UK on May 1, with plans to return to Mumbai on May 21. His activities included seminars, a lecture on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and master classes for Ph.D. candidates.
The NIA remarked that while Teltumbde’s publications may have garnered international acclaim, the necessity of his planned lectures between April 14 and May 15, 2025, must be validated by the Competent Authority. This scrutiny reflects ongoing concerns regarding his case as it unfolds.
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