Court Slams Authorities Over Parole Denial for Convict in 2010 Pune Blast

The Bombay High Court criticized Nashik central prison authorities for denying parole to Himayat Baig, the lone convict in the 2010 Pune German Bakery blast, citing non-application of mind. Baig was acquitted of terror charges in 2016 but remains in prison under other charges. The court warned of imposing costs for arbitrary parole denial.

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday expressed strong disapproval towards Nashik central prison authorities for their 'non-application of mind' in refusing parole to Himayat Baig, the solitary convict in the 2010 Pune German Bakery blast.

A division bench comprising Justices Bharati Dangre and Manjusha Deshpande cautioned that costs would be imposed on the authorities for denying parole solely on the basis of Baig's conviction on terror charges.

Baig had been acquitted of terror charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code by the high court, which has been overlooked by the prison authorities. Despite this, Baig remains imprisoned under other sections of the IPC and the Explosives Act.

(With inputs from agencies.)