Overview

• The bench of Justices J. K. Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi directed the state to file an affidavit detailing reasons for the delay, the prosecution’s scheme including any split trial for absconding co-accused, and an estimated timeframe to finish the case.
• Questioning prolonged incarceration, the court asked why the trial has not progressed and stressed that custody cannot continue indefinitely without proceedings moving forward.
• Additional Solicitor General S. V. Raju attributed the holdup to a pending discharge plea that Gadling insists on arguing in person, citing security concerns against producing him physically; the bench suggested the plea could be decided if he refuses to argue.
• Senior advocate Anand Grover highlighted over six years of custody and challenged the prosecution’s reliance on electronic material allegedly seized improperly in the Bhima Koregaon probe.
• Gadling, accused under UAPA and IPC of conspiring with Maoists who allegedly torched about 76 vehicles on December 25, 2016, was denied bail by the Bombay High Court in January 2023; the Supreme Court listed the matter for October 28–29.