The Karnataka High Court, questioning why the state government opposed the bail of left-wing extremist Laxmi Poojarthi alias Thombattu Laxmi alias Prema, 40, surrendered before the Udupi District Court, ordered her bail as the government supported her bail plea before the Supreme Court.
A Division Bench comprising Justice KS Mudagal and Justice Venkatesh Naik T passed the order while allowing three separate petitions filed by Ms. Laxmi, a resident of Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh, seeking bail in three criminal cases registered against her in 2007, 2008 and 2010, under various provisions of the law, including the 16 Prevention Act. Surrendered to Udupi District Administration on 2 February 2025.
“Records show that the State Government, itself satisfied with the surrender intention of the appellant to join the mainstream society, even decided to provide her a cash package of ₹ 7.5 lakh, monthly financial assistance of ₹ 5,000 and skill building schemes etc. under the program of Rehabilitation of Surrendered Left States, Still5 theremsurrem-Wing, Still5 hersurrem-Wing. the government opposed her request for granted bail in the Trial Court (Udupi District Court)…” the Bench said in its order.
The government, before the Udupi sessions court objected to her plea, had argued that “she was on the run from 2006 to February 2, 2025 and if she is granted bail, she will be difficult to trace and will not be available for trial”.
It was also argued before the Court of Appeal that “she has been involved in committing a crime against the society and the nation and if she is granted bail, she will be involved in illegal activities and by using arms will commit similar activities”.
However, before the Supreme Court, the Additional Public Prosecutor stated that Ms. Laxmi’s bail plea could be considered as she had surrendered before the Udupi Deputy Commissioner in view of the handover and rehabilitation plan.
Meanwhile, the High Court ordered Ms. Laxmi to post a personal bond of ₹50,000 and furnish two sureties of a similar amount to the satisfaction of the trial court as conditions of her bail; appear in court of first instance as required; and not to manipulate witnesses by threat, inducement or otherwise.
Published – 11 Nov 2025 19:56 IST
