Bhima-Koregaon Case: Bombay High Court Grants Bail To Surendra Gadling After 8 Years In Jail

The Bombay High Court on Monday granted bail to lawyer-activist Surendra Gadling, who is in prison from June 6, 2018 in Bhima-Koregaon - Elgar Parishad case, considering his long incarceration. He is the last among the 16 persons named in the case to be in prison. 

A division bench of Justice Ajay Gadkari and Justice Kamal Khata dictated order in the open court granting bail to Gadling on usual conditions, as imposed by the special court on other co-accused like Hany Babu.

The bench said that it would pass a proper order later in the day and make it available. 

The bench was hearing an appeal filed by Gadling through senior advocate Sudeep Pasbola, who primarily highlighted his long incarceration.

Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh assisted by Special Public Prosecutor Chintan Shah opposed the plea and highlighted Gadling's past antecedents especially the 2016 case of Surajgarh (Gadchiroli) Arson case, wherein Gadling is booked for hatching a criminal conspiracy and setting ablaze over 80 vehicles (trucks and motorcycles) transporting iron ore from the Surajgarh mines.

In that case, Gadling was formally arrested on March 18, 2016 while he was already in custody with regards the Bhima-Koregaon - Elgar Parishad case.

Even as he is given bail today, Gadling would continue to remain behind the bars as his bail application in the arson case is pending before the Supreme Court. 

Case Title: Surendra Gadling vs Union of India