The Patna High Court delivered a significant verdict on April 24, upholding the rigorous imprisonment for life awarded to seven convicts in the 45-year-old Biharsharif communal riots case. The incident dates back to May 1, 1980, when a violent mob attacked a community, resulting in the brutal murder of 11 persons, including women and children, along with arson and assault.
Background of the Case
On July 21, 2018, the Fast Track Court (FTC)-1 of Nalanda at Biharsharif convicted Ishwar Singh and six others for the crimes and sentenced them to life imprisonment. However, the same court acquitted Panna Lal and Raj Kishore Sao, who were allegedly the prime suspects and leaders of the mob.
High Court's Ruling
A division bench comprising Justices Bibek Chaudhuri and Chandra Shekhar Jha dismissed the criminal appeals filed by the seven convicts, thereby upholding the life sentences. The judgment was uploaded on the High Court's website and made public the same evening.
While affirming the conviction, the bench strongly criticized the trial court's decision to acquit the two prime suspects. The judges noted that there was sufficient evidence presented by the prosecution to hold them guilty of murder and rioting. Expressing dismay, the bench remarked, "We are not only astonished but also ashamed of the judicial mind depicted by the presiding officer of FTC while acquitting the alleged leaders of the violent mob."
Further Proceedings
Despite dismissing the appeals of the seven convicts, the High Court kept the matter alive for further hearing. Invoking its extraordinary judicial powers in light of Supreme Court rulings, the division bench issued notices to the acquitted accused through the concerned Station House Officer (SHO). The notices require them to respond as to why their acquittal order should not be quashed, given the abundant evidence available against them in court records.
Significance of the Verdict
This ruling underscores the judiciary's commitment to ensuring justice in longstanding cases of communal violence. The High Court's proactive stance in revisiting the acquittal of key suspects highlights the importance of judicial accountability and the pursuit of truth.
