Supreme Court Upholds Bail for Gauri Lankesh Murder Accused

Supreme Court Dismisses Kavitha Lankesh’s Plea Against Karnataka High Court’s Bail Order for Accused in Gauri Lankesh Murder Case, Directs Expedited Trial

The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea by Kavitha Lankesh challenging the Karnataka High Court’s decision to grant bail to Mohan Nayak, an accused in the murder case of her elder sister, journalist Gauri Lankesh.

A bench comprising Justices Bela M. Trivedi and S.C. Sharma noted that Nayak has cooperated with the trial court proceedings and has not requested any unnecessary adjournments.

“Given these circumstances, we do not find it necessary to interfere with the high court’s decision. However, we direct that the trial court should expedite the trial, and all parties must cooperate in concluding it promptly,” the bench stated.

The court further added that if Nayak fails to cooperate, requests unnecessary delays, or violates any conditions of his bail, the State of Karnataka or the complainant is free to apply for bail cancellation. Such an application will be considered on its own merits and according to the law.

Kavitha Lankesh had approached the Supreme Court against the Karnataka High Court’s order dated December 7, 2023.

Senior advocate Sidharth Luthra, representing Karnataka, informed the court that the prosecution has so far examined 137 witnesses, dropped another 137, and is likely to drop 150 more. Around 100 witnesses still remain to be examined.

Gauri Lankesh was tragically shot dead outside her home in Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Bengaluru, on September 5, 2017.

(With inputs from agency)