The Supreme Court adjourned advocate Surendra Gadling’s bail plea in the 2016 Surjagarh iron ore mine arson case to December 4, 2023, following the Maharashtra government’s request for more time to respond. Gadling faces serious accusations, including aiding Maoist rebels and inciting opposition to mining operations, leading to charges under the UAPA and IPC.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday adjourned the bail plea of advocate Surendra Gadling in the 2016 Surjagarh iron ore mine arson case to December 4, following a request by the Maharashtra government for additional time to file its reply.
A bench comprising Justices M.M. Sundresh and Aravind Kumar deferred the hearing, noting that the top court had previously issued notice to the state government on October 10, 2023, seeking a response within four weeks.
The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court, on January 31, 2023, refused Gadling’s bail plea, stating that the accusations against him were “prima facie true.”
The case stems from the December 25, 2016, arson attack in which Maoist rebels allegedly set fire to 76 vehicles used for transporting iron ore from the Surjagarh mines in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district. Gadling is accused of aiding the Maoists by providing secret government information, maps, and logistical support, while also allegedly conspiring with absconding co-accused.
Additionally, the prosecution claims Gadling encouraged Maoists to oppose mining operations at Surjagarh and incited locals to join the movement. He has been charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Gadling is also a key accused in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, where provocative speeches at the Elgar Parishad conclave in Pune on December 31, 2017, are alleged to have triggered violence near the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial the following day.
The next hearing in the Surjagarh arson case is scheduled for December 4, 2023, with the Maharashtra government expected to present its reply.
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