The Delhi High Court has declined to grant bail to three accused operatives of the Indian Mujahideen (IM) involved in the 2008 Delhi serial blasts case.
While refusing bail to them, the Court urged the trial court to expedite the proceedings considering that the accused individuals have been in custody since 2008.
The Bench
A division bench comprising Justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Shalinder Kaur dismissed the appeals filed by Mubeen Kadar Shaikh, Saquib Nisar, and Mansoor Asgar Peerbhoy, who had challenged the trial court’s decision to deny them bail.
The bench stated, “We are informed that the learned Special Court is conducting proceedings every Saturday to expedite the trial, which is already nearing completion.” “However, given the unique circumstances of this case and considering that the appellant has been in custody since 2008, we direct the concerned Special Court to expedite the trial by scheduling hearings at least twice a week,” the bench added.
Bail Plea
While rejecting the bail plea of Mansoor Asgar Peerbhoy, the division bench noted allegations that he was an active member of the terrorist outfit “Indian Mujahideen” and led the “media cell” group. It was also alleged that he conspired with others to send e-mails to electronic and print media regarding the serial bomb blasts in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Delhi on September 13, 2008.
The bench upheld the denial of bail for Mubeen, stating that he was reportedly a qualified computer engineer and accused of being an active member of the Indian Mujahideen’s media cell.
The bail plea of Saquib Nisar was dismissed by the bench due to his alleged role in the case.
The bench highlighted that during interrogation, it was revealed that on September 3, 2008, his mobile number was traced to Karol Bagh, along with the mobile numbers of Mohd. Atif Ameen and Mohd. Shakeel, while on September 13, 2008, his mobile location was at Batla House.
The High Court concluded that based on the allegations and roles attributed to the appellant, it was not inclined to grant bail.
