In Brief
Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira, arrested in connection with the 2018 Bhima-Koregaon violence case, were accused under anti-terror laws including the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). Though the statute restricts bail, the Supreme Court held that constitutional courts retain discretion to grant bail where evidence is weak. The Court found that mere association with banned organizations, without proof of actual terrorist acts, cannot justify prolonged detention. After nearly five years in custody without charges being framed, the appellants were released on bail with strict conditions including location tracking and weekly police reporting.
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