The Supreme Court on Friday granted three days of interim bail on humanitarian grounds to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Chaitar Vasava, providing temporary relief to the Gujarat tribal leader.

A bench comprising senior justices considered the urgent plea submitted on behalf of Vasava, who serves as the Member of the Legislative Assembly representing the Dediapada constituency in Gujarat's Narmada district. The apex court directed that the temporary release be governed under strict conditions to ensure compliance with judicial protocol.

Arguments Before the Bench

Appearing for the lawmaker, senior defense counsel highlighted urgent personal circumstances warranting immediate interim relief. The defense underscored that Vasava has adhered to judicial procedures and that his temporary release for a designated three-day window would not impede ongoing legal proceedings or witness security.

Counsel representing the state government presented reservations regarding the concession, pointing out the sensitivity of the underlying case registered in Narmada district. However, the bench observed that limited temporary liberty on well-defined humanitarian grounds is an established judicial norm, provided stringent safeguards remain intact.

Conditions of Interim Relief

While granting the three-day reprieve, the Supreme Court stipulated precise caveats:

* Designated Duration: The legislator must surrender immediately upon the conclusion of the 72-hour period before the appropriate jail superintendent. * Restricted Movement: Vasava is required to refrain from entering designated jurisdictional boundaries except where specifically sanctioned by the court. * No Interference: The legislator is strictly prohibited from contacting witnesses, addressing public gatherings related to the trial, or influencing the ongoing legal inquiry.

Background of the Case

Vasava, a prominent tribal rights advocate who won the Dediapada seat on an AAP ticket in the December 2022 Gujarat Assembly elections, was arrested late last year in connection with an extortion and assault case registered by the local police in Narmada district. The case originated from an altercation involving state forest department officials.

The legislator's legal team has maintained that the charges were politically motivated following his grassroots mobilization efforts among tribal communities in eastern Gujarat.

Following the completion of the three-day window, Vasava will return to judicial custody, while the principal bench is slated to review the broader bail petitions in due course.