Today, On 30th January, The Supreme Court delayed the hearing on Surendra Gadling’s bail plea in the 2016 Surjagarh mine arson case until next week. The decision made because the Maharashtra government’s lawyer, Raja Thakare, was unavailable. Gadling is accused of involvement in the attack on the iron ore mine in Maharashtra. The hearing will be rescheduled to a later date.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court postponed the hearing on advocate Surendra Gadling’s bail plea related to the 2016 Surjagarh iron ore mine arson case until next week.
This decision made by a bench comprising Justices M M Sundresh and Rajesh Bindal, as additional solicitor general Raja Thakare, who represents the Maharashtra government, was unavailable.
Senior advocate Anand Grover, who is representing Gadling, urged the bench to prioritize the matter. The top court previously issued a notice to the state government on October 10, 2023, requesting a response to the petition within four weeks.
On January 31, 2023, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court denied bail to Gadling, stating that the allegations against him appeared to be prima facie valid.
The incident in question occurred on December 25, 2016, when Maoist rebels allegedly set fire to 76 vehicles used for transporting iron ore from the Surajgarh mines in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. Gadling is accused of aiding the Maoists and conspiring with various co-defendants, including those currently absconding. He faces charges under several provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The prosecution claims that Gadling provided confidential information about government activities and maps to underground Maoist rebels, allegedly encouraging them to oppose the operation of the Surjagarh mines and inciting locals to join the movement.
Additionally, Gadling is involved in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, which pertains to provocative speeches made at the Elgar Parishad conclave in Pune on December 31, 2017. Authorities allege that these speeches incited violence the following day near the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial in Pune district.
Also Read: SC Defers Surendra Gadling’s Bail Plea to December 4 in Surjagarh Mine Arson Case
The 2016 Surjagarh mine arson case involves an attack on an iron ore mining operation in the Surjagarh area of Gadchiroli district, Maharashtra. In this incident, several vehicles and equipment at the mine were set on fire. The incident was part of the ongoing conflict between Maoist groups and the Indian government.
Surendra Gadling, a human rights lawyer and activist, arrested in connection with this case, accused of having links with Maoist groups and involvement in orchestrating the attack. Gadling’s case has been controversial, with critics arguing that he was wrongfully detained under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The case gained attention due to concerns over the detention of activists and the use of anti-terror laws in India.
Case Title: Surendra Pundalik Gadling vs State of Maharashtra
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