The Gujarat High Court has upheld the death sentence awarded to 38 “operatives of the banned outfit Indian Mujahideen (IM)” in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts case, holding that the scale of the conspiracy, the loss of innocent lives and the intention to spread widespread terror justified the punishment.
A Division Bench of Justices A.Y. Kogje and Samir Dave also upheld the life imprisonment of 11 other convicts, finding sufficient evidence of their involvement in terror training camps and logistical support for the attacks.
Court Rejects All Appeals
In its July 7 judgment, made public on Monday, the High Court dismissed all appeals filed by the convicts and confirmed the February 2022 verdict of the special court, which had sentenced 38 accused to death and 11 others to life imprisonment.
The Gujarat government had sought confirmation of the death sentences.
Court Cites Scale of Conspiracy
The High Court said the death penalty was warranted due to the “humongous nature of the conspiracy,” the large number of casualties and the deliberate attempt to create fear among the public.
“The manner in which the bomb blasts were executed speaks volumes about the mindset and the remorseless act of taking away the lives of innocent people,” the court observed.
The bench also noted that the trial court had considered both aggravating and mitigating circumstances before imposing the death penalty.
No Remorse Shown, Court Says
The court observed that some of the convicts had criminal antecedents and that none had expressed remorse for their actions.
It also noted that disciplinary action had been taken against some of them during their imprisonment, adding that there was nothing on record to justify taking a lenient view while determining the sentence.
Life Sentences Also Upheld
The High Court upheld the life imprisonment of the remaining 11 convicts, holding that the prosecution had successfully established their participation in terror training camps in Gujarat and Kerala.
The court found that they helped procure scooters, plastic containers and clocks used in the bombings, besides arranging shelter and logistical support for other accused.
It said the special court’s reasoning for awarding life imprisonment was “just and appropriate.”
Compensation Ordered for Victims
The High Court also upheld the fines imposed on the convicts, citing the extensive loss of life, injuries and damage to public property.
It directed the Gujarat government to pay compensation of ₹10 lakh to the families of each person killed and ₹5 lakh to those who suffered grievous injuries. The compensation must be paid by March 30, 2027.
About the 2008 Ahmedabad Blasts
On July 26, 2008, 21 serial bomb blasts occurred across Ahmedabad within about 70 minutes, killing 56 people and injuring more than 200.
The attacks also targeted hospitals where the injured were being treated, making it one of the first terror attacks in India to strike medical facilities deliberately.
Among those convicted is Safdar Nagori, a former leader of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), along with several associates from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh and other states.
A total of 78 accused faced trial after 35 FIRs related to the Ahmedabad and Surat bomb cases were clubbed together. The special court convicted 49 persons in February 2022, including 38 who were awarded the death penalty.
