2 hrs ago
Mumbai Court Grants Bail to 13/7 Blast Accused
A Mumbai court has granted bail to Saddam Khan in the 13/7 serial blasts case.
Bail means he may be released while the case continues.
Khan had spent nearly 15 years in jail without the trial being finished.
His lawyer said the long delay was a reason to grant bail.
The prosecution disagreed and said there was strong evidence against him.
This evidence included statements, CCTV footage and scientific findings.
The court noted that 236 witnesses had already been examined.
However, it said the trial’s progress did not remove the concern about Khan’s long imprisonment.
The blasts in 2011 killed 27 people and injured 127 others.
A special MCOCA court granted Saddam Khan bail after nearly 15 years in custody as an undertrial.
Judge Satyanarayan Navander cited delays in concluding the trial and prolonged deprivation of personal liberty.
The prosecution opposed bail, citing confessional statements, CCTV footage and scientific evidence.
The prosecution said 236 witnesses had been examined, leaving only a few witnesses to testify.
The July 13, 2011 blasts at Opera House, Zaveri Bazar and Dadar killed 27 people and injured 127.
- Who
- Saddam Khan was granted bail by special MCOCA judge Satyanarayan Navander; the prosecution opposed the request.
- What
- The court granted Khan bail in the 13/7 Mumbai serial blasts case after considering trial delay and his prolonged incarceration.
- Where
- The bail order was issued by a special MCOCA court in Mumbai; the blasts occurred at Opera House, Zaveri Bazar and Dadar.
- When
- The order was reported on September 11, 2026; the blasts occurred on July 13, 2011.
- Why
- The court cited nearly 15 years of incarceration as an undertrial and the constitutional concern over prolonged deprivation of personal liberty.
Defense and Court Considerations
Prosecution Objections
Effect of Trial Delay
Defense and Court Considerations
Khan’s lawyer argued that the prolonged delay in concluding the trial justified bail, especially because other accused had received bail on similar grounds.
Prosecution Objections
The prosecution argued that the trial had progressed considerably since earlier orders, with 236 witnesses already examined.
Evidence Against Khan
Defense and Court Considerations
The bail plea focused primarily on delay and Khan’s long incarceration as an undertrial.
Prosecution Objections
The prosecution said there was ample material against Khan, including confessional statements, CCTV footage and scientific evidence.
Long Incarceration
Defense and Court Considerations
The court said nearly 15 years of incarceration remained a significant constitutional concern despite progress in the trial.
Prosecution Objections
The prosecution emphasized the case’s ongoing progress and the remaining witnesses while opposing bail.
Key facts
- Accused granted bail
- Saddam Khan
- Incarceration
- Nearly 15 years as an undertrial prisoner
- Witnesses examined
- 236, with only a few reportedly remaining
- Blast date
- July 13, 2011
- Blast locations
- Opera House, Zaveri Bazar and Dadar
- Deaths
- 27 people
- Injuries
- 127 people
Quotes
Special MCOCA court
The court presided over by special judge Satyanarayan Navander.
“Undoubtedly, the progress of the trial deserves due appreciation. However, this circumstance by itself cannot obliterate the fact that the applicant has already undergone nearly fifteen years of incarceration as an undertrial prisoner. The constitutional consideration regarding prolonged deprivation of personal liberty remains unchanged,”
freepressjournal.in
“The principal objection of the prosecution is that after passing of the said order, the trial has further progressed and 236 witnesses have now been examined, leaving only a few witnesses to be examined.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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