In a significant development related to the 2006 Mumbai train blasts, the Bombay High Court has taken a decisive stance on the matter. The tragic event, which occurred on July 11, 2006, saw RDX explosions at seven distinct locations on Mumbai’s suburban rail network. The devastating blasts resulted in the loss of 189 innocent lives, while another 800 individuals suffered injuries.
The aftermath of the blasts led to a prolonged trial that spanned eight years. Out of the 13 individuals accused in connection with the blasts, 12 were convicted. Notably, in 2015, the Special Court under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crimes Act (MCOCA) handed down the death sentence to five of these convicts. However, one of the five individuals sentenced to death succumbed to COVID-19 in 2021. The other convicts not given the death penalty were sentenced to life imprisonment.
In a subsequent move, the State of Maharashtra approached the High Court. Their objective was to seek confirmation of the death sentences, a procedure mandated by the law. Concurrently, all the convicted individuals filed appeals, challenging the sentences meted out to them.
The division bench of Justices Nitin Sambre and Rajesh S Patil of the Bombay High Court, recognizing the gravity of the case, made a clear declaration. They stated,
“You are getting 4 weeks. This matter is listed time and again before court and considering its gravity we deem it appropriate to fix the matter for hearing on a day-to-day basis. We direct convicts to commence argument. No adjournment on whatsoever ground will be allowed.”
In a crucial update on Friday, the Maharashtra government officially informed the Bombay High Court of its decision to appoint Senior Advocate Raja Thakare as a special public prosecutor. Thakare will represent the Maharashtra government in confirmation petitions and appeals related to the 2006 Mumbai train blast cases. This appointment further emphasizes the state’s dedication to ensuring a just resolution to the case.