Supreme Court Intervenes in High Court Acquittal

The Supreme Court has intervened in the Bombay High Court’s decision to acquit 12 individuals accused in the 2006 Mumbai train bombings. The top court, led by Justices M M Sundresh and N Kotiswar Singh, has stayed the High Court’s verdict, ensuring it is not used as a legal precedent. However, the Supreme Court did not order the re-arrest of the accused, who have already been released from prison.

Maharashtra Government’s Challenge

This development follows a petition by the Maharashtra government challenging the High Court’s acquittal. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the state, argued that certain legal findings could impact future trials under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). The Supreme Court acknowledged these concerns but maintained that there was no immediate need to return the accused to jail.

Background of the 2006 Mumbai Train Blasts

The 2006 Mumbai train blasts were a series of coordinated attacks that killed over 180 people. The bombings occurred during rush hour on July 11, with explosives placed in first-class compartments of local trains. The attacks targeted trains near stations such as Matunga Road, Mahim Junction, and Borivali.

High Court’s Acquittal and Its Implications

Earlier this week, the Bombay High Court acquitted all 12 accused, citing insufficient evidence from the prosecution. The court noted that recovered explosives and maps were unrelated to the blasts and criticized the prosecution for failing to establish what type of bombs were used. This decision prompted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to express shock and announce plans to challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court.

Initial Convictions and Sentences

In 2015, a trial court convicted these individuals under MCOCA. Five were sentenced to death, while seven received life imprisonment for their roles in the conspiracy. The recent acquittal has raised significant legal and public interest questions about justice and accountability in one of India’s most notorious terror cases.