Goa High Court Grants Conditional Relief to Ex-RSS Chief Subhash Velingkar

The High Court in Goa has provided temporary relief to the former Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief in Goa, Subhash Velingkar, who is facing allegations of “hurting religious sentiments”. This legal development follows Velingkar’s controversial remarks about St Francis Xavier, a revered figure in the state.

On October 10, 2024, the court agreed to grant Velingkar anticipatory bail on the condition that he appear before the investigating officer at 5 PM on the same day. The court’s decision came during a hearing where Velingkar’s counsel argued for the absence of an arrest, stressing that Velingkar was willing to participate in the police investigation.

The Bicholim police, opposing the anticipatory bail petition, expressed the need for flexibility in making an arrest, alluding to the ongoing nature of their investigation. A representative from the Goa police asserted their intent to adhere to Supreme Court’s guidelines set forth in the Arnesh Kumar case, highlighting that Velingkar must comply with police notices.

Additional court proceedings regarding this matter are scheduled to continue on the coming Tuesday, where further developments are expected.