The Supreme Court of India on Thursday paused the Bombay High Court’s order acquitting all 12 accused in the 2006 Mumbai train blasts, after the Maharashtra government raised concerns about its legal implications.
The government clarified it wasn’t seeking immediate custody of the released individuals but stressed that the high court verdict posed serious legal questions and might influence future cases. Taking cognizance, the apex court granted a stay and also issued notices to the acquitted for their responses.
The July 11, 2006 serial blasts ripped through Mumbai’s local trains, killing 189 and injuring over 800, marking one of India’s deadliest terror attacks.
Earlier this week, the Maharashtra government approached the Supreme Court urgently, with Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stating the matter carried “serious consequences.” The Bombay High Court had on Monday reversed a 2015 special MCOCA court verdict that sentenced five to death and seven to life imprisonment.
The accused have already spent over 18 years in jail. One was acquitted in 2015 but the state had not appealed; another died in custody.
The Supreme Court’s intervention signals a need to closely review judgments in high-profile terror cases to ensure both justice and legal consistency.