31 UAPA cases, years in jail: Inside Maharashtra’s overburdened Maoist belt court

After three years, the Aheri Additional District and Sessions Court in Maharashtra's Maoist-affected Gadchiroli district has become the state's primary UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) court, handling 31 cases that have been pending for five years or more. The court, established in 2023, aimed to bring trials closer to the jurisdiction where alleged offenses occurred and expedite disposal.

The need for a dedicated court emerged following local lawyers' requests for a sessions court in Aheri since 2008, and during bail proceedings for lawyer Surendra Gadling in the 2018 Elgaar Parishad case. In January, the court was reported to be without a judge for three months in 2025, and around 200 undertrials were lodged in jails.

Two additional courts were added in April to expedite the high number of cases, but the court still faces logistical challenges. Located more than 120 km from the district headquarters, it handles over 700 villages, and witnesses often have to travel long distances by public transport to testify. The backlog is significant because UAPA imposes strict bail restrictions, leading to prolonged trials and incarceration of undertrials.

Despite three acquittals since January, the court remains under pressure to improve its efficiency. Ensuring witnesses reach court on time is a major hurdle, with logistical issues such as distance and transportation constraints. Local lawyers acknowledge the improvements but highlight the need for further enhancements in connectivity and infrastructure.