Controversy Erupts Over Maharashtra Government’s Handling of Blast Cases: Double Standards Alleged

The Maharashtra government faces accusations of applying double standards in the wake of court decisions related to the Malegaon blast case and the 7/11 Mumbai serial train blasts. The court’s rulings acquitted the accused in both cases due to a lack of evidence. However, the state government appealed to the Supreme Court regarding the serial blasts, yet no similar action followed in the Malegaon case. This disparity has fueled criticism against the government. An RTI query to the Maharashtra government’s Law and Justice Department revealed that the government will not challenge the acquittal of seven accused, including Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and Colonel Purohit, in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case. The blast resulted in six fatalities and about 100 injuries. In contrast, the state government appealed to the Supreme Court on July 22 against the Bombay High Court’s decision to acquit the accused in the 7/11 Mumbai serial blasts case, with the Supreme Court issuing a stay order on July 24. The Bombay High Court had acquitted all accused in the 7/11 2006 Mumbai serial blasts, citing insufficient evidence. Over 100 people died and over 800 were injured in this incident. The opposition is now attacking the government, alleging double standards in handling these serious cases involving bomb blasts. The opposition believes that the government is trying to influence the justice process. This situation is likely to trigger increased political tension. The government has not yet responded to the Malegaon blast case, while it swiftly appealed in the serial blasts case. The Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta, presented the government’s position in the Supreme Court, where the court stated that its ruling in the serial blasts case should not serve as a precedent.