The Supreme Court has deferred the bail pleas of advocate Surendra Gadling and activist Jyoti Jagtap, both arrested in connection with the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, by two weeks. This case, drawing significant attention, involves allegations of inciting violence through provocative speeches at a conclave held in Pune in 2017.
The bench, consisting of Justices M M Sundresh and Rajesh Bindal, also postponed the hearing on a petition by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which challenges the bail granted to another activist, Mahesh Raut. Raut’s release by the Bombay High Court was put on hold following the NIA’s request for a stay, pending their appeal to the Supreme Court.
Surendra Gadling is accused of aiding Maoist activities and conspiring with various co-accused, some of whom are still absconding. He faces charges under several provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and the Indian Penal Code. The prosecution contends that Gadling provided Maoists with secret government information and geographical maps, urging resistance against the operation of Surjagarh mines and encouraging locals to join the Maoist movement.
Additionally, Gadling is implicated in the case relating to the Elgar Parishad conclave, where, according to police, speeches made on December 31, 2017, incited violence the following day near the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial.
Jyoti Jagtap, another key figure in the case, is noted as an active member of the Kabir Kala Manch (KKM) group. The group is alleged to have delivered aggressive and provocative slogans during their stage play at the same 2017 Elgar Parishad conclave. The NIA regards KKM as a front for the Communist Party of India (Maoist), and the High Court previously upheld a February 2022 special court decision to deny her bail, citing reasonable grounds to believe the accusations of terrorist activities.
