Third SC Judge Recuses From Hearing Gadling's Bail Plea In Gadchiroli Arson Case

The Supreme Court on Tuesday witnessed another recusal in the ongoing legal saga surrounding lawyer-activist Surendra Gadling. Justice S Chandrashekhar removed himself from hearing Gadling's bail plea, marking the third time a judge of the apex court has stepped away from this matter.

Gadling is an accused in the 2016 Gadchiroli arson case, which is being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The case is connected to the larger Elgar Parishad-Maoist links probe.

Fresh Bench, Fresh Recusal

The matter came up before a bench led by Justice Chandrashekhar. Without citing specific reasons, the judge stated he was recusing from the hearing. Court officials confirmed the development but did not elaborate on the cause for the recusal.

This follows two prior recusals by other Supreme Court judges. The pattern has raised procedural questions among legal observers, though no official comment has been made by the court registry.

The 2016 Gadchiroli Arson Case

Surendra Gadling, a practising lawyer and human rights activist, was arrested in connection with a 2016 incident in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. The NIA alleges he had links with banned Maoist groups and was involved in a conspiracy to set fire to vehicles and public property.

Gadling is also one of the key accused in the Bhima Koregaon-Elgar Parishad case, where he faces charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). He has been in custody since his arrest.

Bail Plea Repeatedly Deferred

Gadling has sought bail on medical grounds, arguing that his health has deteriorated during prolonged incarceration. His counsel has maintained that the charges are baseless and that he is being targeted for his advocacy work.

The prosecution, however, has opposed bail, citing the gravity of the allegations and the potential for the accused to influence witnesses. The case has seen multiple hearings without a final decision on the bail application.

What Lies Ahead

With Justice Chandrashekhar's recusal, the Supreme Court registry will now have to assign the case to a new bench. No date for the next hearing has been announced yet. The delay adds to the legal limbo for Gadling, who has been behind bars for several years.

Legal experts say the repeated recusals do not reflect on the merits of the case but underscore the sensitivity surrounding the Elgar Parishad probe. The matter is likely to be listed before a reconstituted bench in the coming weeks.