7/11 Mumbai Blasts: SC Verdict, Release Details
Supreme Court Stays Bombay HC Judgment in 2006 Mumbai Blasts Case, Acquitted not to Return to Jail
Table of Contents
New Delhi: the Supreme Court has stayed a judgment by the Bombay High Court that had acquitted 12 individuals in the 2006 Mumbai serial blasts case. While the acquitted individuals will not be required to surrender and return to prison, the Supreme court has ruled that the Bombay High Court’s judgment will not carry precedential value until further orders.
SC’s Intervention and Solicitor General’s Plea
the Supreme Court’s intervention came after the Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, appearing for Maharashtra, informed the bench that he was not seeking an order for the accused persons, who have already been released from prison following the High Court’s judgment, to surrender.
Though, Mehta requested a stay on the judgment. He argued that certain observations made by the Bombay High Court could potentially impact other pending trials conducted under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). “Your lordships may consider saying, the judgment is stayed, however, they will not be required to come back to the prison,” the Solicitor General stated.
No Return to Prison, judgment Lacks Precedential value
The Supreme court accepted this contention. in its order, the bench clarified that it was not necessary to bring the 12 acquitted persons back to jail. “We have been informed that all the respondents have been released and there is no question of bringing them back to the prison,” the SC bench stated.
The apex court further declared,”We are inclined to hold that the impugned judgment shall not be treated as a precedent.” This means that the Bombay High Court’s ruling, in this specific instance, cannot be used as a guiding principle for future legal proceedings.
The Infamous 7/11 Mumbai Blasts
The case pertains to the devastating serial blasts that rocked Mumbai on November 7,2006. Seven bombs exploded across the city’s local train network, resulting in the tragic loss of 189 lives and leaving nearly 820 individuals with severe injuries. These blasts are infamously known as the “7/11 Mumbai Blasts.”
The Supreme Court’s decision to stay the judgment and prevent it from setting a precedent highlights the gravity of the legal implications for ongoing MCOCA trials,while also acknowledging the current status of the acquitted individuals.
Also Read:* Bombay HC sets aside interim order, allows MIAL to terminate Çelebi contract