Simplified Explanation of the Judgment:
In a landmark judgment dated 11 September 2024, the Patna High Court, in Death Reference No. 10 of 2021, upheld the death sentences of four individuals and life imprisonment for two others convicted for their roles in the 2013 Patna serial bomb blasts. These blasts targeted a political rally at Gandhi Maidan, Patna, attended by the then Gujarat CM and now Prime Minister of India, causing the death of six people and injuring 89 others.
The convicts were part of a wider conspiracy orchestrated by members of the banned terrorist organization SIMI. The plan aimed to disrupt public order and instill fear by targeting political rallies. Multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were planted at Patna Railway Station and Gandhi Maidan on 27 October 2013.
The court meticulously examined evidence from over 180 witnesses, forensic reports, and confessional statements. It concluded that Imteyaz Alam, Haider Ali, Numan Ansari, and Md. Mujibullah Ansari played direct roles in the planning and execution of the blasts, warranting the death penalty. Md. Umer Siddiqui and Azharuddin Qureshi were found to have facilitated the conspiracy and provided logistical support, justifying life imprisonment.
Significance of the Judgment: This verdict reaffirms the judiciary's commitment to combating terrorism with zero tolerance. It emphasizes that acts of terror against civilians and democratic institutions will be met with the harshest penalties. For the public, it underscores the importance of vigilant law enforcement and a strong legal framework to deter similar threats.
Legal Issues Decided:
Legality and adequacy of evidence linking accused to the terror plot
Validity of confessional statements and their corroboration
Quantum of punishment appropriate for terrorism-related offenses
Case Title: The State of Bihar vs. Imteyaz Alam & Ors.
Case Number: Death Reference No. 10 of 2021 with Cr. Appeal (DB) Nos. 757, 769 of 2021 and 18, 48, 58, 83 of 2022
Citation(s): 2024(4)PLJR
Coram and Names of Judges: Hon'ble Mr. Justice Ashutosh Kumar and Hon'ble Mr. Justice Jitendra Kumar
Names of Advocates: For the Appellants: Mr. Ansul, Mr. Wasif Rahman Khan, Mr. Santosh Kumar Yadav, Mr. Shahbaj Alam, Mr. Ajay Kumar Thakur, Mr. Anshuman Sinha, Mr. Prakhar Prakash For the Respondent (NIA): Dr. Krishna Nandan Singh, ASG; Mr. Manoj Kumar Singh, Spl. PP (NIA); Mr. Pramod Kumar, PP (NIA); and others
Link to the Judgment:
https://patnahighcourt.gov.in/viewjudgment/NSMxOCMyMDIyIzEjTg==-v5tU--am1--vKJkiQ=
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