The Supreme Court has put on hold the execution of the death sentence for an individual affiliated with the Indian Mujahideen, linked to the tragic Ahmedabad serial blasts that occurred in 2008, resulting in the deaths of 56 individuals. This decision followed a formal request from Ahmed Bawa, also known as Abbu Abubakar Barelvi, challenging the Gujarat High Court’s ruling upholding the penalty imposed by the trial court.

A bench composed of Justices Vikram Nath, AG Masih, and Sandeep Mehta issued a notice to the Gujarat government and called for the records from the trial court, effectively pausing the execution of the sentence. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta highlighted the serious nature of the case during the proceedings.

High Court Ruling on Death Sentences

Additionally, the High Court upheld life sentences for 11 other individuals involved, emphasising their roles in terror training camps located in Gujarat and Kerala and their logistical contributions to the conspiracy. All appeals filed by these convicts were dismissed, and the February 2022 judgement from the special court, which had sentenced 38 members to death and given life imprisonment to 11 others, was confirmed. The Gujarat government had previously sought affirmation of the death penalties issued by the trial court.

The Ahmedabad blasts, which transpired on July 26, 2008, saw a series of 21 bomb explosions within a span of 70 minutes across various areas of the city, leading to significant destruction and injuries, with over 200 individuals reported hurt. This event marked a notable escalation in targeting medical facilities in a terror-related context, as explosions occurred at hospitals treating victims.

Details from the High Court’s Decision

The Gujarat High Court detailed that the criminal backgrounds of the 38 convicts demonstrated their execution of a terrorist act deserving of the death penalty. The court indicated that the special court had appropriately taken into account both mitigating and aggravating factors prior to delivering the sentence. It remarked on the “humongous nature of the conspiracy”, the intention to engender widespread terror, and the overall impact and suffering caused by this violent act.

Through its ruling, the court underscored the calculated execution of these bomb blasts and noted the lack of remorse displayed by the convicts, highlighting that some had previous criminal records. It also remarked on disciplinary actions taken against the convicts during their time in custody, which precluded the possibility of leniency during sentencing.

In its decision regarding the 11 convicts sentenced to life imprisonment, the High Court confirmed the prosecution’s assertions about their involvement in various roles in the preparation and execution of the conspiracy. This included participation in terrorist training camps and contributions towards the procurement of materials used in the attacks.

The court also imposed fines on the convicts, substantiated by the scale of the crimes, the severe damage done to public property, and the extensive loss of life. Additionally, it instructed the Gujarat government to allocate Rs 10 lakh as compensation to the families of the deceased and Rs 5 lakh to those who were severely injured, with a deadline set for March 30, 2027. In total, 78 individuals faced trial as a result of the extensive investigation into the attacks, with 49 ultimately convicted by the special court.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share