Supreme Court Gives Maharashtra One Final Week to Justify Delay in Surjagarh Arson Trial

Overview

• A bench of Justices J. K. Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi granted the State a last one-week extension to file its affidavit, warning that no further adjournment will be allowed.
• The Court allowed Surendra Gadling to file a counter-affidavit and re-listed the matter for hearing after the filings.
• Additional Solicitor General S. V. Raju argued the trial’s pace reflects the accused’s choices, citing a discharge plea Gadling would not argue without physical appearance.
• The case stems from the December 25, 2016 incident in Gadchiroli where Maoists allegedly torched 76 iron-ore transport vehicles, with Gadling booked under UAPA and IPC for alleged conspiracy and direction of the arson.
• Gadling has been in custody since 2018 and is appealing a January 2023 Bombay High Court order denying bail, as his counsel questions delays and the lack of a split trial for absconding co-accused.