Surendra Gadling Biography: Life, Career, and Achievements
Surendra Gadling is a human rights lawyer and Dalit rights activist based in Nagpur, India. He is known for his work advocating for the rights of marginalized communities and representing individuals who have been victims of police brutality and other forms of violence. Gadling has been recognized for his dedication to social justice and has received numerous awards and accolades for his work.
Gadling was born into a Dalit family in Indora, a slum community in Nagpur, and grew up facing discrimination and prejudice due to his caste. Despite these challenges, he excelled academically and went on to pursue a career in law. He started his legal career as an apprentice in the railways and later went on to become a human rights lawyer.
Throughout his career, Gadling has taken up cases of illegal killings, police excesses, and atrocities against Dalits and Adivasis. He has also been a vocal critic of the Indian government’s human rights record and has spoken out against the increasing crackdown on dissent and civil liberties in the country.
Key Takeaways
- Surendra Gadling is a human rights lawyer and Dalit rights activist known for his work advocating for the rights of marginalized communities.
- Gadling has taken up cases of illegal killings, police excesses, and atrocities against Dalits and Adivasis throughout his career.
- He has been recognized for his dedication to social justice and has been a vocal critic of the Indian government’s human rights record.
Early Life and Education
Surendra Gadling was born into a Dalit family in Indora, a slum community in Nagpur. He grew up in Bhim Chowk with his mother, wife, and two children. Gadling started his career as an apprentice in the railways after finishing college in the 1980s.
Despite facing discrimination and social inequalities, Gadling pursued his education and obtained a law degree from Nagpur University. He was deeply influenced by the ideas of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution and a champion of the rights of Dalits and other marginalized communities.
Gadling’s commitment to social justice and human rights led him to become a human rights lawyer and a Dalit rights activist. He began his career by fighting cases for those arrested under the draconian Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) 1985, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967.
Career
Surendra Gadling began his career as an apprentice in the railways. However, he soon realized his passion for social justice and decided to pursue law. He is a human rights lawyer and Dalit rights activist based in Nagpur, India. Gadling is known for taking up cases of police excesses, fake cases, and atrocities against Dalits and Adivasis in Gadchiroli and Gondia districts. He is considered an expert in special laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Forest Rights Act, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Gadling is also the General Secretary of the Indian Association of Peoples’ Lawyers (IAPL). Among those he has represented are numerous human rights defenders arrested on fabricated charges. Human rights defenders in India face a diverse range of attacks and harassment from state and non-state actors alike, including arbitrary arrests and detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings.
In 2018, Gadling and several other prominent Dalit and Adivasi rights activists were arrested by police in Maharashtra. Authorities accused Gadling and others of inciting caste-based violence. However, human rights defenders and members of the legal fraternity see the arrests as a conspiracy to silence lawyers with a history of fighting politically-charged cases. The arrest and subsequent treatment of Gadling have shaken the human rights community in India.
Notable Cases and Legal Work
Bhima Koregaon Case
Surendra Gadling was one of the lawyers representing the accused in the Bhima Koregaon case, which involved violence that broke out during the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Bhima Koregaon in Maharashtra in 2018. The case has been widely criticized as politically motivated, and Gadling was arrested in connection with it in 2018. He has been denied bail multiple times and remains in custody.
Human Rights Advocacy
Gadling has been actively involved in human rights advocacy for marginalized communities, particularly Dalits and Adivasis. He has taken up cases of illegal killings, police excesses, fake cases, and atrocities against these communities in Gadchiroli and Gondia districts. He is considered an expert in special laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Forest Rights Act, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Gadling’s work has brought him into conflict with authorities, and he has been targeted for his activism. In 2018, he was one of several prominent Dalit and Adivasi rights activists arrested in Maharashtra. He has been detained for his human rights and civil rights work for marginalized religious communities, and his arrest has been widely criticized by human rights organizations.
Arrest and Detention
Surendra Gadling, a human rights lawyer and General Secretary of the Indian Association of Peoples’ Lawyers (IAPL), has been detained several times for his work advocating for marginalized religious communities and human rights defenders.
On December 25, 2016, Gadling was arrested along with Varavara Rao in the Surajgarh Mine Arson Case. On June 6, 2018, police in Maharashtra arrested several prominent Dalit and Adivasi rights activists, including Gadling, Sudhir Dhawale, Shoma Sen, Rona Wilson, and Mahesh Raut, for allegedly fomenting violence in the aftermath of massive Dalit protests.
Gadling was detained for his human rights and civil rights work, and he has represented numerous human rights defenders arrested on fabricated charges. According to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Gadling is “detained for his human rights and civil rights work for marginalized religious communities.”
On February 14, 2020, an order was passed to move the investigation on the Bhima Koregaon case to the National Investigation Agency court in Mumbai. All nine human rights defenders, including Gadling, were transferred to Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai. The next court hearing was scheduled for February 28, 2020.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Surendra Gadling has been recognized for his work as a human rights lawyer and Dalit rights activist. Here are some of the awards and honors he has received:
- In 2011, Gadling was awarded the “Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe Rajkiya Puraskar” by the Government of Maharashtra for his work in the field of human rights.
- In 2016, he was awarded the “Mukundraj Jayanti Sanman” by the Mukundraj Jayanti Samiti for his contributions to social justice and human rights.
- In 2017, he was awarded the “Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Samaj Bhushan” by the Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Samajik Vikas Sanstha for his work on behalf of Dalits and other marginalized communities.
- In 2018, he was awarded the “Savitribai Phule Samaj Seva Puraskar” by the Ambedkarite Women’s Association for his work in promoting women’s rights.
In addition to these awards, Gadling has also been recognized by various human rights organizations for his work as a lawyer and activist. For example, he was named a “Front Line Defender” by Front Line Defenders in 2018, and was included in the “Forbes India 100” list of influential Indians in 2019.
Despite these accolades, Gadling has faced significant challenges in his work as a human rights lawyer and activist. He has been arrested multiple times on what his supporters say are trumped-up charges, and has faced harassment and intimidation from government authorities. Nevertheless, he continues to fight for the rights of marginalized communities in India, and remains a respected figure in the human rights community both in India and around the world.
Public Perception
Surendra Gadling is a well-known human rights lawyer and Dalit rights activist based in Nagpur. He has spent decades fighting for the rights of marginalized communities and has gained a reputation as a fierce defender of justice.
Gadling’s work has garnered both admiration and criticism from the public. Many people see him as a hero for his tireless efforts to defend the rights of Dalits and other oppressed groups. His work has helped to bring attention to the injustices faced by these communities and has inspired others to take up the cause.
At the same time, there are those who view Gadling with suspicion and hostility. Some people accuse him of being a troublemaker who stirs up unrest and promotes a divisive agenda. They argue that his work is motivated more by politics than by a genuine concern for justice.
Despite these criticisms, Gadling remains a respected figure in the legal community and among human rights activists. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including the National Law Day Award in 2017 and the Mukteshwar Award in 2018.
Overall, public perception of Surendra Gadling is mixed, with some seeing him as a hero and others viewing him with suspicion. However, his work has undoubtedly made a significant impact on the fight for justice and equality in India.
Personal Life
Surendra Gadling was born in Nagpur and grew up in a politically active family. His father was a member of the Communist Party of India, and his mother was a social worker. Gadling’s family background influenced his political beliefs and activism.
Gadling completed his education in Nagpur and went on to study law. He started his legal practice in 1992 and became a human rights lawyer. He has worked on several high-profile cases related to human rights violations, particularly those involving Dalits and Adivasis.
Gadling is married and has two children. He is known for his commitment to social justice and his work as a human rights lawyer. In addition to his legal work, he is also involved in several social movements and organizations. He is a member of the Committee for Protection of Democratic Rights (CPDR) and the Committee for the Release of Political Prisoners (CRPP).
Overall, Gadling’s personal life has been shaped by his political beliefs and his commitment to social justice. His work as a human rights lawyer and his involvement in social movements reflect his dedication to fighting for the rights of marginalized communities.
Legacy
Surendra Gadling’s legacy is one of fighting for the rights of marginalized communities and standing up against injustice. He is known for his expertise in special laws like UAPA, the Forest Rights Act, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and others. Gadling has been a vocal advocate for the rights of Dalits and Adivasis and has taken up cases of illegal killings, police excesses, fake cases, and atrocities against these communities in Gadchiroli and Gondia districts.
Gadling’s work as a human rights lawyer has been recognized by various organizations. He was awarded the Human Rights Award by the Human Rights Law Network in 2016. He was also a member of the Indian Association of People’s Lawyers and the People’s Union for Civil Liberties.
Despite facing numerous obstacles and being arrested several times, Gadling remained committed to his work and continued to fight for justice. His dedication to the cause has inspired many others to join the fight for the rights of marginalized communities.
Today, Gadling’s work continues to be an inspiration to those who fight for justice and equality. His legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice and fighting for the rights of all people, regardless of their caste, religion, or ethnicity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Surendra Gadling and what is his background?
Surendra Gadling is a human rights lawyer and activist based in India. He was born on 24 December 1961 in Maharashtra, India. He completed his law degree from Nagpur University in 1988 and has been practicing law since then. Gadling is known for his work defending marginalized communities, including Dalits and Adivasis, and for his advocacy for social justice.
What are some notable cases that Surendra Gadling has worked on?
Surendra Gadling has worked on several high-profile cases in India. He has defended political prisoners, human rights activists, and individuals accused of terrorism. Some of his notable cases include the Bhima Koregaon case, the Elgar Parishad case, and the arrest of five activists in June 2018. Gadling has also been involved in cases related to the rights of Dalits and Adivasis, and has been a vocal critic of the Indian government’s policies towards these communities.
What is the current legal status of Surendra Gadling?
As of October 2023, Surendra Gadling is currently in jail, awaiting trial in several cases. He was arrested in June 2018 on charges of having links to Maoist groups, and has been charged under several laws, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Gadling has been denied bail several times, and his health has reportedly deteriorated while in custody.
What are some of the controversies surrounding Surendra Gadling?
Surendra Gadling has been a controversial figure in India due to his work defending individuals accused of terrorism and his criticism of the Indian government’s policies towards marginalized communities. He has been accused of having links to Maoist groups, and has been arrested several times on charges of sedition and other offenses. Gadling has denied these charges, and his supporters argue that he is being targeted for his activism.
What is Surendra Gadling’s stance on human rights and social justice?
Surendra Gadling is a vocal advocate for human rights and social justice in India. He has been involved in several campaigns to defend the rights of marginalized communities, including Dalits and Adivasis. Gadling has also been critical of the Indian government’s policies towards these communities, and has called for greater accountability and transparency in the legal system.
What is the impact of Surendra Gadling’s work on the legal system in India?
Surendra Gadling’s work has had a significant impact on the legal system in India. He has been involved in several high-profile cases that have brought attention to issues related to human rights and social justice. Gadling’s advocacy has also helped to raise awareness about the challenges faced by marginalized communities in India, and has contributed to the development of a more robust civil society.