Malegaon Blast Victims’ Appeal: Bombay High Court Seeks Response from Acquitted and NIA

Quick Summary:

• The Bombay High Court issued notices too seven persons acquitted in the 2008 Malegaon blast case following an appeal by victims’ family members.
• Notices were also served to the National Investigation agency (NIA) and Maharashtra government, wiht a hearing scheduled for six weeks later.
• the appeal challenges the July 31, 2025 judgment of the special NIA court that acquitted all accused, including former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and others.
• Petitioners argue that faulty investigation should not lead to acquittal, citing legal provisions defining “victim” rights under Section 2 of BNSS and Supreme Court precedents.
• The High Court emphasized petitions must clarify roles of appellants tied to deceased victims; incomplete details caused adjournments earlier this week.
• Special NIA court had previously ruled suspicion does not equate proof and highlighted investigation gaps before acquitting all.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The Bombay High Court’s notice signals continued scrutiny over judicial interpretations in high-profile cases like Malegaon. While upholding procedural integrity, it raises unresolved questions about balancing victim representation with due process for defendants. Legal reliance on Section 2 BNSS illustrates evolving definitions of “victim” as its amendment yet faces hurdles given specific code applicability limitations here. Overall implications could be profound for india’s anti-terror jurisprudence-either affirming investigative accountability or reinforcing protections against presumption-based convictions.

Read more at: the Hindu