Maharashtra Government to Challenge Bombay High Court Verdict on 2006 Mumbai Serial Blasts in Supreme Court


Bombay High Court Acquits All 12 Accused After 19 Years

On July 15, 2024, the Bombay High Court delivered a landmark judgment, acquitting 12 individuals previously convicted for their alleged involvement in the 2006 Mumbai serial train blasts, which had resulted in the deaths of 189 passengers and injuries to more than 827 commuters. The verdict, which comes 19 years after the tragedy, has triggered mixed reactions across the country—bringing joy to the families of those acquitted and renewed anguish to victims’ families still seeking justice.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis: "We Will Challenge the Verdict in Supreme Court"

Reacting swiftly to the High Court’s decision, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed shock and disappointment, calling the verdict “very shocking.” He announced that the state government would move the Supreme Court to challenge the acquittals and seek a re-examination of the case.

“The verdict of the Bombay High Court is very shocking, and we will challenge it in the Supreme Court,” said CM Fadnavis in an official statement.

Details of the 2006 Serial Blasts: Timeline and Locations

The coordinated terror attacks took place on the evening of July 11, 2006, when seven bombs exploded within 11 minutes across first-class compartments of Mumbai local trains. The locations included:

  • Matunga Road

  • Mahim Junction

  • Bandra

  • Khar

  • Jogeshwari

  • Bhayandar

  • Borivali

The blasts targeted the heart of Mumbai’s public transport system, causing one of the worst terror incidents in India’s urban history.

Trial Court Conviction and High Court Reversal

In 2015, a special trial court convicted 12 individuals, sentencing five of them to death and the others to life imprisonment. However, in its 2024 judgment, the Bombay High Court found that the evidence presented by the prosecution was not sufficient or conclusive, leading to the acquittal of all accused.

The Court ruled that:

  • Confessional statements were allegedly obtained through coercion and torture

  • The evidence was not corroborated by independent witnesses

  • There were gaps in the chain of events linking the accused to the blasts

The Court directed the immediate release of all the accused.

Emotional Response from the Acquitted and Their Families

One of the acquitted, Ansari, expressed deep sorrow over losing 19 years of his life behind bars. He accused the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of framing a false case and obtaining confessions through torture.

“All 13 people arrested are innocent. The ATS created a false narrative and tortured us. Today, the court has vindicated our innocence,” Ansari said.

Sarifur Rehman, brother of another acquitted, Zamir Ahmed, echoed similar sentiments, calling the acquittal “a moment of long-awaited relief”. Zamir was incarcerated in Amravati jail for nearly two decades.

“We have suffered for 19 years. My brother is finally coming home,” he added.

Backlash from Victims' Families: "Justice Delayed, Justice Denied"

On the other hand, families of the victims have reacted with anger and disbelief. Ramesh Naik, who lost his daughter in the 2006 blasts, questioned the lengthy judicial delay and the credibility of the investigation.

“Why did it take 19 years? What went wrong? After 2002 and 2008 bombings, convicts were hanged quickly. But in this case, the court acquits all. If they didn’t do it, then who did?” Naik asked.

His emotional response highlighted the ongoing trauma of those who lost loved ones and the persistent demand for justice.

BJP Leaders Call for Supreme Court Intervention

Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya joined the growing calls for appeal, urging the state to:

  • Form a competent investigation committee

  • Appoint a strong legal team

  • Challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court of India

“There must have been lapses in investigation and legal representation. The people of Mumbai deserve justice. The guilty must not go unpunished,” said Somaiya.

Conclusion: A Legal and Moral Crossroads

The 2006 Mumbai serial blasts case, now back in national headlines, presents both a legal conundrum and a moral dilemma. While the High Court emphasized lack of conclusive evidence, the emotional toll on victims and their families remains unresolved.

As the Maharashtra government prepares to move the Supreme Court, India watches closely. The outcome may not only redefine the legal trajectory of this case but also shape public trust in the country’s criminal justice system.


Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India

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