Malegaon Blast Victims Seek Justice: Urge Court to Retain Special NIA Judge

Victims of the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast have petitioned the Bombay High Court for an extension of the NIA judge's tenure to avoid delays in the trial. The imminent transfer of Judge A K Lahoti, who has been handling the case, could introduce significant delays in the trial's conclusion.

Malegaon bomb blast victims from 2008 have reached out to the Bombay High Court's Chief Justice, seeking an extension for the special NIA judge's tenure to prevent trial delays. They are urging for a timely conclusion of the case, which has been ongoing since 2018.

Typically, judges in additional sessions courts serve for two to three years. Judge A K Lahoti, appointed to the city civil and sessions court in Mumbai since June 2022, faces possible transfer as he nears the end of his term. Victims fear this will hinder the trial's progress.

Highlighting the case's critical public significance, the victims argue that the trial requires continuity. With 323 prosecution witnesses and final statements in progress, any disruption in judicial leadership could stall proceedings, demanding the incoming judge to familiarize with extensive records.

(With inputs from agencies.)