SC Pauses HC Acquittal in Mumbai Blasts
The Supreme Court has temporarily paused the Bombay High Court’s verdict that acquitted all 12 accused in the 2006 Mumbai train bomb blasts case. However, it clarified that those already released will not be re-arrested.
Limited Stay on High Court Verdict
A bench of Justices M M Sundresh and N Kotiswar Singh ruled that the High Court judgment will not be treated as a legal precedent in other cases. The stay does not affect the personal liberty of the acquitted individuals, meaning they will remain free while the legal process continues.
Maharashtra Government’s Appeal
The Maharashtra government challenged the High Court’s verdict, raising concerns about the legal interpretation of evidence and anti-terror laws. The state argued that the acquittal could weaken future cases under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). The Supreme Court has sought responses from all 12 acquitted persons.
Background of the Case
The July 11, 2006 Mumbai train bombings targeted local trains during peak hours, killing 189 people and injuring over 800. In 2015, a special court had sentenced five men to death and seven others to life imprisonment under MCOCA. One of the convicts sentenced to death died in jail in 2021.
What’s Next
The case will be further heard after the accused respond to the Supreme Court’s notice. Until then, the High Court’s verdict will have no legal bearing on other cases. However, the accused will not face any arrest or custody unless new directions are issued.
