Legal Crusaders Honored at Mumbai’s Eid Milan for Defending Civil Liberties
Mumbai — Against the backdrop of festive solidarity, the Islam Gymkhana became a focal point for judicial reflection this week. The Innocence Network hosted an Eid Milan gathering on March 28, 2026, drawing over a hundred lawyers, scholars, and activists to honor those navigating the frontlines of human rights litigation in India.
The evening culminated in the presentation of the Champions of Human Rights Award 2026, a distinction granted to three legal practitioners recognized for their persistence in defending constitutional merits and civil liberties amidst a challenging political climate.
Recognition Amidst Incarceration
The most poignant moment of the ceremony arrived with the announcement of Advocate Surendra Gadling as an awardee. Currently incarcerated in connection with the Bhima Koregaon case, Gadling was represented by his son, Sumit Gadling, who accepted the honor on his behalf. The award underscored a career dedicated to defending the marginalized, even as the practitioner himself remains embroiled in one of the country’s most high-profile legal battles.
Joining him in recognition were:
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Advocate Ibrahim Harbat: Honored for his defense of Ayan Sheikh, a 20-year-old student recently detained by Mumbai’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). The citation noted Harbat’s commitment to the case despite reported pressure and threats.
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Advocate M.M. Sayyad: Recognized for his extensive work representing the accused in cases linked to the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), focusing on the right to a fair trial.
Champions of Justice: Human Rights Defenders Honored at Mumbai’s Eid Milan for Safeguarding Civil Liberties
न्याय के प्रहरी: मुंबई के ईद मिलन समारोह में नागरिक अधिकारों की रक्षा के लिए मानवाधिकार वकीलों का सम्मान
Voices from the Frontline
The event served as more than a ceremony; it provided a platform for veteran rights defenders to analyze the current state of the Indian judiciary. Sudha Bharadwaj, a prominent trade unionist and human rights lawyer who was herself an accused in the Bhima Koregaon case, addressed the gathering on the necessity of intellectual rigor.
“Legal aid is not just a service; it is a vital safeguard for democracy. The intellectual rigour required in rights-based litigation is the only thing standing between a citizen and systemic overreach,” Bharadwaj remarked, reflecting on the collective effort needed to protect civil liberties.
Senior Advocate Gayatri Singh added a layer of intersectional analysis to the evening’s discourse. She spoke candidly about the unique challenges faced by professionals navigating the legal sphere through the lenses of gender and religion.
“Navigating this profession as a woman and a Muslim involves facing layered systemic barriers,” Singh noted. “However, resilience is not optional; it is a requirement to ensure that justice remains accessible to all.”
A Resolve for Solidarity
The program blended the celebratory spirit of Eid with a somber acknowledgment of the “ongoing struggles within the justice system.” Attendees—comprising seasoned scholars and law students alike—engaged in discussions regarding the shrinking space for dissent and the increasing personal risks faced by defense attorneys.
The evening concluded with a community dinner, symbolizing a shared resolve among the legal fraternity. As the awards were presented, the atmosphere remained one of defiant optimism, framing the legal profession not merely as a career, but as a critical pillar of human rights advocacy.
