Supreme Court Stays Acquittal in 2006 Mumbai Train Bombings Case

The Supreme Court has put a hold on the Bombay High Court’s judgment that acquitted all twelve convicts in the 2006 Mumbai train bombings. This action comes in response to a petition filed by the Maharashtra government, disputing the High Court’s decision. The train bombings resulted in the tragic loss of 189 lives. The Solicitor General, appearing on behalf of the state of Maharashtra, informed the Supreme Court that an immediate hearing was essential, underscoring the urgency and seriousness of the matter. The High Court had overturned a September 2015 verdict delivered by a special court, established under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), which had initially sentenced five individuals to death and seven to life imprisonment. These convicts have been incarcerated for around 18 years. It’s worth noting that although the special court acquitted one person, the state did not appeal this particular decision in the High Court.