Archive · 21 Jul 2026
SC Justice Recuses from Elgar Parishad Case
A judge in the Supreme Court of India, Justice S Chandrashekhar, decided not to hear the bail request of Surendra Gadling, who is accused in a case involving links between the Elgar Parishad event and Maoist activities.
This is the third time a judge has stepped back from the case.
Gadling's lawyers have been asking for an urgent hearing because he has been in jail for a long time.
The case involves serious charges related to supporting Maoist activities and making speeches that allegedly caused violence.
The prosecution claims Gadling provided secret information to Maoists, while his defense argues for his release.
Justice S Chandrashekhar recused himself from hearing Surendra Gadling's bail plea in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case.
This is the third recusal in the case, following previous recusals by Justices M M Sundresh and A S Chandurkar.
Gadling has been in jail for seven and a half years, and his lawyers are seeking an urgent hearing.
The case involves charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and the Indian Penal Code.
The Elgar Parishad conclave in Pune in 2017 is alleged to have triggered violence the next day near the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial.
- Who
- Justice S Chandrashekhar, Surendra Gadling, Kapil Sibal, Anand Grover, National Investigation Agency (NIA)
- What
- Recusal of Justice Chandrashekhar from hearing Gadling's bail plea in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case
- When
- Tuesday (specific date not mentioned), August 8, 2025
- Where
- Supreme Court of India, New Delhi
- Why
- Justice Chandrashekhar had some difficulty in hearing the case, and the matter has witnessed multiple recusals
Defense Perspective
Prosecution Perspective
Bail Plea Urgency
Defense Perspective
The defense argues that Gadling has been jailed for seven and a half years and seeks urgent hearing due to long incarceration.
Prosecution Perspective
The prosecution emphasizes the serious nature of the charges and the need for thorough legal process.
Maoist Links
Defense Perspective
The defense maintains Gadling's innocence and challenges the evidence presented.
Prosecution Perspective
The prosecution claims Gadling provided aid to Maoists and conspired with others, presenting evidence of his alleged activities.
- Case Name
- Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case
- Accused
- Surendra Gadling
- Charges
- Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, Indian Penal Code
- Bail Plea First Issued
- 2023
- Number of Recusals
- 3
- Location of Elgar Parishad Conclave
- Shaniwarwada, Pune
- Date of Conclave
- December 31, 2017