New Delhi, Dec 4 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Wednesday criticized the Maharashtra government for seeking an adjournment in the lawyer and activist Surendra Gadling’s bail plea related to the 2016 Surajgarh arson case.
The State requested the adjournment, citing pending submission of certain documents.
A Bench comprising Justices MM Sundresh and Aravind Kumar emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating, “This is not a usual matter. We have to hear this.”
The Court allowed two weeks for the State to file the additional documents.
Gadling had earlier approached the Supreme Court after the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court rejected his bail plea in January 2023. The plea, now represented by advocate Nupur Kumar, pertains to a December 2016 incident where 39 vehicles transporting iron ore from Surajgarh mines in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, were allegedly set ablaze by Maoists.
The Gadchiroli Police registered an FIR invoking multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Sections 307 (attempt to murder), 435 (mischief by fire), and 120-B (criminal conspiracy). Charges were also filed under Sections 16, 18, 20, and 23 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and provisions of the Arms Act. Gadling was implicated in the incident and charged with UAPA offences.
Gadling is also a key accused in the 2018 Bhima Koregaon case, currently under investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). He remains in judicial custody at Taloja Central Prison.
The High Court, while rejecting his bail plea, had noted that allegations of Gadling’s direct involvement in the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) appeared prima facie credible. The court observed that the gravity of the allegations outweighed arguments in favor of granting bail.
Senior Advocate Anand Grover, assisted by advocates Paras Nath Singh and Rohin Bhatt, appeared for Gadling in the proceedings.
