The Supreme Court of India has sentenced four convicts in the 1996 Lajpat Nagar blast case to life imprisonment without remission. The court emphasized the need for expeditious trials in cases related to national security and the safety of the common man. The bench of justices BR Gavai, Vikram Nath, and Sanjay Karol highlighted that the Lajpat Nagar market, a prominent market in New Delhi, was attacked, and expressed disappointment at the delayed handling of the case.
The top court acknowledged that the prosecution had successfully proven the guilt of the accused in committing the crime. It stated that Mohammad Naushad, Mirza Nissar Hussain (also known as Naza), Mohammad Ali Bhatt (also known as Killey), and Javed Ahmed Khan (also known as Javed Junior or Chhota Javed) were part of a criminal conspiracy to cause the blast in the capital city.
Considering the severity of the offense, which resulted in the deaths of innocent individuals, and the role played by each convict, the court sentenced them to life imprisonment without remission, extending to natural life.
The case initially involved a total of 17 accused individuals, out of which one passed away and six were declared proclaimed offenders, evading trial. The remaining accused faced trial in the case. The Trial Court had previously awarded the death penalty to Mohammad Naushad, Mirza Nissar Hussain, and Mohammad Ali Bhatt. Javed Ahmed Khan received a life sentence, while Farooq Ahmed, another accused, was sentenced to seven years in jail. Four accused were acquitted by the trial court.
Subsequently, Mohammad Naushad, Mirza Nissar Hussain, Mohammad Ali Bhatt, and Javed Ahmed Khan filed separate appeals challenging their convictions and sentences. The Delhi High Court commuted the death penalty of Mohammad Naushad to life imprisonment and acquitted Mirza Nissar Hussain and Mohammad Ali Bhatt. However, the High Court upheld the sentence and conviction of Javed Ahmed Khan. The prosecution filed an appeal with the Supreme Court against the High Court’s decision.
Commenting on the case, the Supreme Court expressed concerns about the delay in its completion, compromising national interest. It emphasized the need for expeditious trials, especially in matters related to national security and the safety of the common man. The court also noted the lack of vigilance displayed by the investigating and judicial authorities, stating that the case should have been handled with urgency and sensitivity at all levels.
On May 21, 1996, a bomb blast occurred in the Central Market of Lajpat Nagar, Delhi, resulting in the loss of 13 lives and leaving 38 others injured. The Supreme Court’s recent decision to sentence the four convicts to life imprisonment without remission brings a sense of closure to the case and emphasizes the importance of timely and efficient justice delivery in matters of national security.
Note: This is a generated article based on the provided guidelines.
