In a recent development, the Supreme Court has extended the deadline for the Maharashtra government to respond to the bail plea of advocate Surendra Gadling in connection with the 2016 Surjagarh iron ore mine arson case.

The extension, granted by a panel comprising Justices Aniruddha Bose and Augustine George Masih, allows the state government an additional week to submit its response. The request for an extension was made by the state's legal representative, citing the substantial volume of records associated with the case.

The case is scheduled for the next hearing, set to take place in two weeks. On October 10, the Supreme Court had issued a notice to the state government regarding this matter. However, on January 31, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court had declined to grant bail to Gadling, noting that the allegations against him seemed credible on the surface.

The incident in question occurred on December 25, 2016, when Maoists allegedly set fire to 76 vehicles transporting iron ore from the Surajgarh mines in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. Gadling is accused of providing assistance to Maoists at the grassroots level and conspiring with co-accused, some of whom are currently absconding in connection with the case. He faces charges under various sections of the anti-terror law, including the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), as well as relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

According to the prosecution, Gadling is alleged to have disclosed confidential information about government activities, provided maps of specific areas to underground Maoist rebels, and urged Maoists to resist the operation of the Surjagarh mines. Additionally, he is accused of inciting locals to join the movement.

It's worth noting that Gadling is also implicated in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case. This case revolves around alleged inflammatory speeches made during the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on December 31, 2017. The police assert that these speeches led to violence near the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial in Pune district the following day. The multifaceted legal proceedings underscore the complexity of the charges faced by Surendra Gadling, making this case one to closely watch as it unfolds.