From accused in the now-concluded Malegaon 2008 blast case to those booked in the Elgaar Parishad case of 2017-18, several accused have been given permission to use computers, with curbs.
In 2006, some of the accused in the Mumbai serial train blasts case had to approach the court for permission to keep their over 10,000-page chargesheet in their barracks; the overcrowded Arthur Road Jail barrack barely had space for its prisoners.
Twenty years later, the jail still remains crowded, chargesheets have only got longer, and the struggle for space has gone digital. Undertrials across jails are seeking access to computers or laptops to read the electronic evidence against them. From accused in the now-concluded Malegaon 2008 blast case to those booked in the Elgaar Parishad case of 2017-18, several accused have been given permission to use computers, with curbs. Read more
Bombay HC Judge Recuses From Hearing Mumbai Press Club Plea, Cites His Appearance As Prosecutor In Bhima Koregaon Case
19/05/2026
Live Law / by Narsi Benwal
The ongoing controversy over Sudha Bharadwaj and Varavara Rao – both accused in the Bhima Koregaon – Elgar Parishad case, who allegedly flouted their bail conditions and together attended an event organised by journalist Gurbir Singh at the Mumbai Press Club (MPC), reached the Bombay High Court on Tuesday (May 19) with Justice Sandesh Patil recusing from hearing the matter. Read more
Justice Sandesh Patil Recuses From Hearing Mumbai Press Club Appeal In Gurbir Singh Expulsion Case Linked to Bhima-Koregaon
19/05/2026
The Bar Bulletin / by Sakshi Singh
Justice Sandesh Patil, Judge Bombay High Court, has recused from hearing an appeal filed by the Mumbai Press Club challenging an ad-interim order passed in favour of journalist Gurbir Singh, who had been expelled from the Club following controversy over an event attended by Bhima Koregaon accused Varavara Rao and Sudha Bharadwaj.
The dispute arose after the Mumbai Press Club expelled Singh, a member of the Club, over his role in organising an event that featured poet-activist Varavara Rao and lawyer-activist Sudha Bharadwaj, both accused in the Bhima Koregaon–Elgar Parishad case. Read more
Elgar Parishad Case: NIA Seeks Cancellation of Activists Varavara Rao, Sudha Bharadwaj Bail Over Mumbai Press Club Meet
15/04/2026
The Wire / by Sukanya Shantha
The NIA told a special court that the January gathering at the club violated a bail condition that bars communication between co-accused in the case, which has gone on for nearly eight years without trial.
Weeks after the Mumbai Press Club created a controversy over defendants in the Elgar Parishad case visiting the club, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has now swooped in. The central agency, which is handling the controversial 2018 case, on Thursday, May 15, sought cancellation of the bail granted to two accused – Telugu poet-activist Varavara Rao and lawyer-academic Sudha Bharadwaj. Read more
Bhima Koregaon case: NIA seeks cancellation of bail for activists Varavara Rao, Sudha Bharadwaj
15/04/2026
Scroll.in / by Scroll Staff
The agency alleged that they violated their bail conditions by taking part in a meeting at the Mumbai Press Club, where other accused persons were present.
The National Investigation Agency on Friday moved a special court in Mumbai seeking that the bail granted to activists Varavara Rao and Sudha Bharadwaj in the Bhima Koregaon case be cancelled.
The court has directed the activists to respond to the applications, The Indian Express reported. Read more
NIA seeks cancellation of bail granted to Sudha Bharadwaj and Varavara Rao in Elgar Case
15/04/2026
The Indian Express / by Express News Service
Agency alleges violation of bail conditions over Mumbai Press Club event; court to hear matter on May 22
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday moved an application before a special court here seeking cancellation of bail granted to activists Sudha Bharadwaj and Varavara Rao in the Elgar Parishad–Maoist links case, alleging violation of bail conditions.
Bharadwaj was granted bail on technical grounds in 2021, while Rao was released from prison a year later. Read more
Bail ! Gautam with his partner Sabha Husain. May 2024.
The Wire / by Mekhala Saran
‘Jail is not just a microcosm of society, but it also mimics the social hierarchy and divisions outside.’
Early afternoon sunlight floods into Sahba Husain and Gautam Navlakha’s home, which is full of books and art, and cool and airy even in the Delhi summer.
When I visit them, a little ahead of the second anniversary of Navlakha’s bail (May 14), I ask them if I can photograph them, by the entrance of their flat, in front of a painting of a bird in flight. My hope is to recreate a photograph from six years ago, clicked in April 2020, right before Navlakha, then a 68-year-old human rights activist, was compelled to surrender before the National Investigation Agency. Read more
Credits: Drawing by Arun Ferreira / The Polis Project
Credits: Drawing by Arun Ferreira / The Polis Project
Credits: Drawing by Arun Ferreira / The Polis Project
Credits: Drawing by Arun Ferreira / The Polis Project
Credits: Drawing by Arun Ferreira / The Polis Project
To mark six years of the arbitrary arrests and imprisonment of political dissidents in the Bhima Koregaon case, The Polis Project is publishing a series of writings by the BK-16, and their families, friends and partners. By describing various aspects of the past six years, the series offers a glimpse into the BK-16’s lives inside prison, as well as the struggles of their loved ones outside. Each piece in the series is complemented by Arun Ferreira’s striking and evocative artwork.
By Maktoob / @MaktoobMedia (May 5): Despite bail, Gadling will remain in custody due to his continued detention in the Surajgarh arson case under UAPA provisions, Bar and Bench reported.
Eight years in jail without trial: HC grants bail to lawyer Surendra Gadling in Elgar Parishad case
05/05/2026
Hindustan Times / by Karuna Nidhi
The Bombay High Court on Monday granted bail to Surendra Gadling, a lawyer known for defending human rights activists, Dalits and Adivasis, in the 2018 Elgar Parishad–Bhima Koregaon case, citing his prolonged incarceration of over eight years and the principle of parity with co-accused.
However, Gadling, lodged at Taloja Central Jail in Navi Mumbai, is unlikely to be released immediately, as he remains in custody in connection with another case linked to a suspected Maoist attack. Read more
After Almost Eight Years of Pre-trial Jail, Surendra Gadling Given Bail in Elgar Parishad Case
04/05/2026
The Wire / by The Wire Staff
Gadling, however, will remain in custody as he faces a separate arson case in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district.
On June 6 this year, Surendra Gadling, a prominent human rights lawyer from Nagpur, would have completed eight years in prison in the controversial Elgar Parishad case, without a trial and despite multiple rounds of bail applications. A division bench of the Bombay high court, comprising Justices Ajay Gadkari and Kamal Khata, finally granted him bail on Monday (May 4) on grounds of prolonged incarceration. Read more
Bombay High Court Grants Bail To Surendra Gadling After 8 Years In Jail
04/05/2026
Live Law / by Narsi Benwal
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. Read more
Bhima Koregaon trial yet to start: Bombay HC grants bail to Surendra Gadling after 8 years in jail
04/05/2026
Bar & Bench / by Bar & Bench
Despite bail in the Bhima Koregaon case, Surendra Gadling will remain in custody due to his continued detention in the Surajgarh arson case under UAPA provisions.
The Bombay High Court on Monday granted bail to advocate Surendra Gadling, accused in the Bhima Koregaon violence case of 2018 [Surendra Gadling v. State of Maharashtra & Anr.].
A division bench of Justices AS Gadkari and Kamal Khata noted that Gadling has spent over 8 years in custody and the trial in the matter is yet to commence.
Prolonged incarceration as an undertrial prisoner is a ground for relief, the Court said.
A detailed order is awaited. Read more
However, he will remain in jail as his bail application in a 2016 arson case is pending before the Supreme Court.
The Bombay High Court on Monday granted bail to lawyer Surendra Gadling in the Bhima Koregaon case, saying that prolonged incarceration as an undertrial prisoner is a ground for relief, Bar and Bench reported.
Gadling had spent more than eight years in custody, said a bench of Justices AS Gadkari and Kamal Khata, adding that the trial in the matter was yet to begin. Read more
Bombay High Court grants bail to activist Surendra Gadling, the only Elgaar Parishad accused remaining in jail
04/05/2026
The Indian Express / by Omkar Gokhale
However, Surendra Gadling will remain in custody as he has yet to get bail in the 2016 Surajgarh arson case.
The Bombay High Court on Monday granted bail to the Elgaar Parishad case accused Surendra Gadling, the only accused remaining in jail in the case. However, he is likely to remain in custody at Taloja Central prison, as he has not got bail in the 2016 Surajgarh arson case and his plea is pending in the Supreme Court. Read more
Top Maoist dies in Ranchi, was linked to ‘plot to kill PM Modi’ in Pune case
04/04/2026
The Indian Express / by Chandan Haygunde
Bose was one of the many accused named in the Elgaar Parishad- Koregaon Bhima case by the Pune city police in 2018. He was named in connection with an alleged “Maoist communication” that mentioned a plot to kill Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A top Maoist leader Prashant Bose alias Kishan Da, aged around 80 years, died at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi on Friday. A native of West Bengal, Bose was arrested along with his wife Sheela Marandi in November 2021, and has been behind bars since then. Read more
CASR strongly condemns the custodial murder of political prisoner Prashant Bose
04/04/2026
Countercurrents.org / by Campaign Against State Repression
The Campaign Against State Repression (CASR) strongly condemns the custodial death of octogenarian political prisoner Prashant Bose, who passed away on 3rd April at RIMS Hospital, Ranchi, Jharkhand.
… CASR demands:
▪ A high-level, independent judicial inquiry into the custodial death of Prashant Bose.
▪ Immediate and adequate medical treatment for all prisoners across jails.
▪ Urgent release of all prisoners suffering from severe and life-threatening medical conditions. Read full statement
The arson case has been linked to the Bhima-Koregaon case. 12-page common order effectively rejects discharge pleas of accused, sets stage for trial to commence.
Charges were framed last month against advocate Surendra Gadling in the Gadchiroli-Surajgarh arson case which has long been stalled and linked with the Bhima Koregaon case, the Supreme Court was told Thursday.
In an affidavit filed before the apex court, the Registrar General of the Bombay High Court (Nagpur Bench) submitted details of the exact steps taken by the High Court to ensure video conferencing for Surendra Gadling. It said the trial court framed charges in the case on 18 March this year. Read more
Justice Chandurkar Recuses From Hearing Surendra Gadling’s Bail Plea In Gadchiroli Arson Case
02/04/2026
Live Law / by Amisha Shrivastava
Justice Atul Chandurkar of the Supreme Court today recused from hearing advocate Surendra Gadling’s bail plea in the 2016 Gadchiroli arson case. The matter was listed today before a bench of Justice JK Maheshwari and Justice Atul Chandurkar.
Earlier, Justice MM Sundresh had recused from the case. Subsequently, the case was being heard by a bench led by Justice JK Maheshwari. Today, Justice Maheshwari was sitting with Justice Chandurkar, who recused. Read more
Supreme Court Justice AS Chandurkar recuses from Surendra Galing’s bail plea in Surajgarh arson case
02/04/2026
Bar & Bench / by Ritu Yadav
Earlier, Justice MM Sundresh had recused from hearing the matter.
Supreme Court Justice Atul S Chandurkar on Thursday recused from hearing a bail plea filed by lawyer and activist Surendra Gadling in connection with the 2016 Surajgarh arson case [Surendra Pundalik Gadling vs State of Maharashtra].
Earlier, Justice MM Sundresh had recused from hearing the matter. Read more
Supreme Court hears plea by human rights lawyer Surendra Gadling seeking bail in the 2016 Gadchiroli arson case.
Bench: Justices JK Maheshwari and AS Chandurkar
Counsel: I’m appearing for the High Court, we have filed a compliance affidavit stating that all directions have been complied with, since the High Court is not a formal party. My Lords may permit me.
J. Maheshwari: Today, we can’t do anything.
ASG SV Raju: I understand
Court: list before another bench
Justice Atul Chandurkar recuses from hearing the matter.
Bombay High Court Asks Maharashtra Govt If Bhima Koregaon Accused Surendra Gadling Can Use Jail Computer To Review Evidence
26/03/2026
Live Law / by Narsi Benwal
The Bombay High Court on Thursday sought to know from the Maharashtra Government if it could permit Surendra Gadling, an accused in the Bhima Koregaon – Elgar Parishad case, to access the computer installed in the Taloja Central Prison to review the evidence against him.
A division bench of Justice Ajay Gadkari and Justice Kamal Khata while refusing Gadling to use his own laptop while in prison to review evidence, clarified that it can consider permitting him to access the computer in the prison, as the very issue would affect cases in future. Read more
Bombay High Court hears accused Surendra Gadling’s plea seeking computer access in jail to prepare for trial.
Gadling, an undertrial, says the case evidence is largely electronic, spread across 11 hard drives (around 40 TB).
Gadling’s counsel argued that similar access was granted to co-accused Mahesh Raut and Sagar Gorkhe. However the computer was non-functional
The State informed that a new computer has been installed in the jail office.
Court asked jail authorities how long can they let an undertrial access the computer and how long will it take for Gadling to review all the evidence.
The court asked Gadling to inform how long can he sit before the computer and asked prison authorities details whether NIA’s data can be accessed on it.
▪ Video: The Prison Song of Surendra Gadling (The Wire / lyrics by Ramesh Gaychor) hindi | 11min | 2021
51- year-old Gadling, a well-known criminal lawyer in Nagpur, was once a cultural activist, who sang songs of political resistance. The 11- minutes- long rendition tells you what it means to be incarcerated in Indian prisons. From food, water, to medical care, everything is a struggle, Gadling narrates. The song was recorded by one of Gadling’s colleagues and was made available to The Wire after obtaining his consent. Watch video / Listen to the song
Babu was granted bail by the Bombay High Court in December 2025, over five years since his arrest in the case.
Rejecting a plea filed by Delhi University associate professor and Elgaar Parishad accused Hany Babu for permission to stay in Kerala for two months with his mother, a special court in Mumbai said he was allowed last month for a visit, and should consider moving her to Mumbai if he wants to reside with her. Read more
