The Supreme Court on Friday said it will hear the bail petition of lawyer Surendra Gadling on September 3, who has spent more than 6 years in jail as an accused in the Elgar Parishad–Maoist links case.
A bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai, with justices NV Anjaria and Alok Aradhe, fixed the date after being informed that Justice M M Sundresh had stepped aside from the matter earlier this week.
“The bail plea would come up for hearing on Wednesday,” CJI Gavai confirmed.
Bail Plea Delayed Repeatedly
Gadling’s plea has been pending before the Supreme Court for years. According to senior advocate Anand Grover, who represents him, the matter has already been adjourned 11 times. Grover argued earlier this month that his client’s long incarceration without bail makes the hearing urgent.
The case was last listed on March 27, when the court also pushed back hearings on two related matters — the bail application of activist Jyoti Jagtap and the National Investigation Agency’s challenge to bail granted by the Bombay High Court to activist Mahesh Raut. The high court’s order in Raut’s favour remains stayed.
Charges Against Gadling
Gadling, a Nagpur-based advocate known for defending tribal and political activists, has been accused of supporting Maoist groups and collaborating with co-accused who remain underground.
Investigators allege he provided classified government information, maps, and strategy inputs to Maoists, urged rebels to oppose the Surjagarh mining project in Gadchiroli, and mobilised locals against the operation.
He has been charged under multiple provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) as well as the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Elgar Parishad Context
The bail petition is linked to the wider Elgar Parishad case, which traces back to a conclave organised at Pune’s Shaniwarwada on December 31, 2017. Authorities allege that speeches and performances at the event were inflammatory and directly triggered violence the next day at the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial.
Activist Jyoti Jagtap has been described by the Bombay High Court as a key member of the Kabir Kala Manch (KKM), a cultural group accused of using provocative slogans and plays during the conclave. The NIA claims KKM is a front for the banned CPI (Maoist).
Jagtap’s appeal against the special court’s refusal to grant her bail in 2022 was dismissed by the high court as well.
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