The Supreme Court today stayed the operation of a Delhi High Court judgement that had granted remission and directed the release of Md. Rashid Khan, a life convict in the 1993 Bowbazar bomb blast case, in which around 70 people were killed. A Bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Sanjeev Sachdeva passed the interim order after hearing Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, who sought a stay on the High Court’s ruling.

 

Raju submitted that the 1993 Bowbazar blast was a grave terrorist incident. Around 70 people were killed, more than 100 were injured, and two buildings collapsed in the explosion. Taking note of the submissions, the Bench issued notice on the Special Leave Petition filed by the West Bengal government.

 

The West Bengal government had approached the Supreme Court challenging the Delhi High Court’s June 5 judgement granting remission to Khan. He was convicted under the Indian Penal Code, the Explosive Substances Act, and the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) in connection with the Bowbazar blast.

 

In its June 5 judgment, the Delhi High Court held that Khan, who has spent more than 33 years in prison, was entitled to premature release. The court relied on the reformative theory of punishment and his conduct during incarceration. Khan was convicted in the 1993 Bowbazar blast case and has remained in custody since March 1993.