The Rajasthan High Court on Friday declined to grant interim relief to Mohammad Sarwar Azmi and Shahbaz Ahmed, two individuals convicted in connection with the 2008 Jaipur serial blasts. The convicts had sought suspension of their convictions and release on bail. A division bench comprising Justices Inderjeet Singh and Bhuvan Goyal dismissed their applications.
Background of the Case
The case pertains to the recovery of a live bomb linked to the May 13, 2008, serial blasts in Jaipur. On that day, eight explosions occurred across the city, resulting in the deaths of 71 people and injuries to 185 others. A ninth bomb, discovered near a guest house in Chandpole Bazaar, was successfully defused by the authorities. Azmi and Ahmed were sentenced to life imprisonment last year for their involvement in this specific incident.
Arguments by the Defense
During the court proceedings, the defense counsel for Azmi and Ahmed argued that the duo had previously been sentenced to death in eight other related blast cases. However, the high court later overturned those convictions and acquitted them. The defense contended that the prosecution relied on the same evidence in the current live bomb case as in the earlier ones. They asserted, “Once they were acquitted in similar connected cases, the trial court ought not convict them again on the basis of the same material.” Additionally, the defense highlighted that both men have spent a substantial period in custody and that the appeal process could be prolonged, making bail a justified relief.
Prosecution's Stance
Opposing the plea, Additional Advocate General Rajesh Choudhary argued that the accused were involved in “spreading terror and panic.” He pointed out that the convicts had claimed responsibility for the blasts through emails sent to two news channels. “We have additional evidence, including the recovery of the emails, which was presented to the trial court and constituted the basis for the life sentences. They cannot be given relief,” Choudhary stated.
The high court, after hearing both sides, dismissed the applications, thereby refusing any interim relief to the convicts. The case continues to be a significant chapter in the judicial proceedings related to the 2008 Jaipur serial blasts.
