human rights defender

Jyoti Jagtap

© Indian Express

Organization affiliation

  • Kabir Kala Manch (KKM)

HRD's year of birth

1987

HRD's Gender

Woman

Type of HRD

  • Artist

HRD's thematic area of engagement

  • Civil and political rights
  • Defenders living in remote areas
  • Indigenous peoples’ rights
  • Land rights
  • Minorities’ rights

HRD's geographical origin

Rural

Current Status

Released on bail

HRD's bio and work

Jyoti Jagtap is a Dalit cultural activist, singer, and organizer with the Kabir Kala Manch. A psychology graduate, she chose to dedicate her life to grassroots social activism, using street theatre and music to campaign against caste discrimination, gender inequality, and state oppression.

Detained since

Sep 8, 2020

Date of release

Nov 19, 2025

Charge(s)

  • Anti-government propaganda
  • Creating disturbances
  • Damage to public property

Sentence

Charge UAPA Sections 13, 16, 17, 18, 18B, 20, 38, 39, and 40; IPC Sections 120B, 115, 121, 121A, 124A, 153A, and 505(1)(b).

Geolocation of detention

Country or area of detention

Region of detention

  • Asia: Southern Asia

Location of detention - City/Town

Mumbai, Maharashtra

Location of detention - Facility

Byculla Womens Jail, Maharashtra

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