Bombay High Court Discharges Four Accused in 2006 Malegaon Blast Case

The Bombay High Court discharged four accused in the 2006 Malegaon blast case, holding that criminal trials cannot proceed on “imagination and fantasy” in the absence of reliable evidence.

The Court found serious contradictions between the investigations conducted by the Maharashtra ATS and the NIA, observing that the two prosecution versions were fundamentally inconsistent and incapable of reconciliation.

It held that the material on record failed to establish a prima facie case strong enough to sustain terror charges against the accused.

Setting aside the trial court’s order framing charges, the High Court concluded that continuation of proceedings would amount to abuse of process.

[Rajendra Choudhary & Anr. v. UOI & Ors.]