Paper: GS – II, Subject: Polity, Topic: Legal issues, Issue: Concerns regarding India’s criminal justice system.
Context:
The Bombay High Court acquitted 12 accused after 19 years, raising serious questions about India’s criminal justice system. It concerns the acquittal of all accused in the 2006 Mumbai train blasts, which killed 189 and injured over 800.
Key Highlights:
Background of the Case:
| On July 11, 2006, a series of coordinated bomb blasts occurred on Mumbai’s suburban trains. |
| Maharashtra ATS arrested 13 individuals and charges were filed under UAPA and MCOCA. |
| Trial began in 2007 whereas convictions and death/life sentences began in 2015. |
| In 2024, Bombay HC acquits all 12 convicted, citing procedural lapses and weak evidence. |
Judicial Observations:
- Justice Anil Kilor emphasized the failure to identify the real perpetrators and criticized the presentation of false appearances, weak evidence, and violation of rule of law.
- The judgment stressed that creating a false appearance of justice erodes public trust.
Systemic Issues:
Reforms needed:
- Training: Special squads must be trained in forensic science, digital tools, and modern methods.
- Technology: Use of scientific evidence like DNA, cyber forensics should be mainstreamed.
- Witness Protection:Urgent need for a credible and structured witness protection programme and avoid overreliance on “stock witnesses.”
- Independent Oversight: Reduce political influence in terrorism-related cases and Increase accountability for false arrests and wrongful prosecutions.
- Enforcing rule of law:
- Justice system must focus on punishing actual perpetrators, not scapegoats.
- Rule of law should not be sacrificed for speed or political gains.
- A just and fair trial is essential for democracy and public confidence.
Conclusion:
The 2006 blasts verdict is a wake-up call for India’s criminal justice system.Justice system requires comprehensive reforms in investigation, prosecution, and legal safeguards.
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