In the high-profile Bhima Koregaon case, the Supreme Court today has granted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) two weeks' time to file its response in the bail application filed by Hany Babu, one of the accused. 

The bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Sanjay Kumar also refused the petitioner's request for an immediate hearing, emphasizing that the matter had already faced delays.

During the proceedings, Justice Kumar pointed out the sequence of events, highlighting the delays in the case. The court's decision comes after a division bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Sanjay Karol had issued notice to the NIA in Babu's bail application back in January.

Hany Babu, a 57-year-old professor at Delhi University, has approached the Supreme Court through a special leave petition challenging the Bombay High Court's September 2022 order, which rejected his bail plea. 

The High Court, in its order, cited Babu's deep involvement in the activities of the Revolutionary Democratic Front (RDF) and the CPI (Maoist), dismissing the notion that his role could be viewed solely as an academician's attempt to aid a colleague.

The High Court's division bench, comprising Justice N.R Borkar and Justice Nitin Jamdar, observed Babu's continuous communication with co-accused and wanted individuals, indicating his active involvement. The court also noted his expertise in setting up appointments and developing code structures crucial for secret communication.

Earlier, the Special NIA Court had rejected the bail plea of Hany Babu and four others, including members of Kabir Kala Manch, holding that there was prima facie evidence of their involvement in furthering the ideology of the banned organization CPI (Maoist).

Hany Babu faces serious charges including waging war against the Government of India, tampering with evidence, criminal conspiracy, and promoting enmity between different groups, among others, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

The case has garnered significant attention due to its implications on academic freedom and civil liberties, with supporters of Babu arguing for his innocence and calling for a fair trial.

Case:  Hany Babu vs. NIA.