Supreme Court Stays Acquittal in 2006 Mumbai Train Blasts Case, No Re-Arrest for Accused

The Supreme Court of India has partially stayed the Bombay High Court’s verdict that acquitted 12 individuals in the 2006 Mumbai train bomb blasts case. While the top court halted the acquittal’s legal standing, it clarified that the accused will not be re-arrested at this stage.

The court also stated that the High Court’s judgment would not serve as a precedent in any related or future matters. Notices have been issued to the acquitted individuals in response to a petition filed by the Maharashtra government challenging the High Court’s decision.

The July 11, 2006 blasts remain one of India’s deadliest terror attacks, where seven coordinated bomb explosions tore through Mumbai’s suburban trains during peak hours, claiming 189 lives and injuring over 824 people.

The Bombay High Court, in its recent ruling, had overturned the conviction of 12 out of 13 accused due to lack of credible evidence, a move that drew strong reactions from victims’ families and the state authorities.

With this Supreme Court development, the legal battle enters a new phase. The final word on the case will now rest with the apex court as it examines the state’s appeal.