Maharashtra CM Lauds Supreme Court's Stay on 2006 Mumbai Blasts Acquittals

The Supreme Court has stayed the Bombay High Court's acquittal of 12 people involved in the 2006 Mumbai blasts, a move welcomed by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis. The decision, crucial for ongoing investigations under MCOCA, does not affect the current release status of the accused.

The Supreme Court stayed the Bombay High Court's decision to acquit 12 individuals linked to the 2006 Mumbai train blasts, drawing approval from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who termed it as "the right step" towards justice. The Maharashtra government had previously expressed discontent with the High Court's ruling, prompting them to challenge the decision at the Supreme Court.

A Supreme Court bench of Justices MM Sundresh and N. Kotiswar Singh clarified that while the stay order does not affect the current release of the accused from jail, it highlights the need for careful scrutiny in such sensitive cases. The High Court had found insufficient evidence against the accused, overturning a 2015 MCOCA court judgment that imposed death and life sentences.

The tragic Mumbai blasts on July 11, 2006, resulted in 189 fatalities and over 827 injuries, when bombs exploded in first-class compartments of Mumbai local trains. The Maharashtra government's appeal to the Supreme Court argued that the findings of the High Court could influence other cases under investigation by the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

(With inputs from agencies.)