Supreme Court Flags 7-Year Detention of Activist Surendra Gadling Under UAPA Without Trial

• The Supreme Court expressed grave concern over activist Surendra Gadling's nearly seven-year detention without trial under UAPA.
• Gadling, a human rights lawyer, was implicated in the 2016 Surajgarh arson case in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, involving Maoists.
• His counsel, Senior Advocate Anand Grover, highlighted systemic delays, including the absence of a presiding judge in the Mumbai special court and lack of electronic evidence copies.
• The SC plans to ascertain the judge vacancy in the NIA Court Mumbai and will consult the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court to expedite proceedings.
• The court deferred Gadling's bail application by one month, allowing him to argue for release if no trial progress is made.

Why It Matters: Supreme Court intervenes in Surendra Gadling's prolonged UAPA detention, emphasizing speedy trial and judicial vacancies.