Surendra Gadling’s Bail Plea Delayed as Supreme Court Judges Recuse in 2016 Surjagarh Arson Case

The Supreme Court of India heard a petition by senior advocate Kapil Sibal on behalf of activist lawyer Surendra Gadling, seeking bail in the 2016 Surjagarh iron‑ore mine arson case in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. The plea was presented before Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, after Justice Shree Chandrashekhar recused himself, marking the third judicial recusal in the matter.

Gadling, already detained in the Bhima‑Koregaon case and charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, faces accusations of directing a Maoist‑linked conspiracy that set fire to over 80 iron‑ore‑laden trucks. Senior advocates highlighted procedural delays, lack of a permanent public prosecutor, and the need for the case to be reassigned to another bench for a fair hearing.