SC orders retrial of Pak man on death row | Latest News Delhi - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

SC orders retrial of Pak man on death row

PTI | By, New Delhi
Sep 01, 2012 01:07 AM IST

Pakistan national Mohammad Hussain, sentenced to death for complicity in a 1997 bomb blast case that claimed four lives, on Friday got a reprieve after the Supreme Court ordered a fresh trial after setting aside his conviction and capital punishment.

Pakistan national Mohammad Hussain, sentenced to death for complicity in a 1997 bomb blast case that claimed four lives, on Friday got a reprieve after the Supreme Court ordered a fresh trial after setting aside his conviction and capital punishment.

HT Image
HT Image

"The matter requires to be remanded for a de novo trial," said a three-judge bench headed by justice RM Lodha, while setting aside his conviction and punishment saying he was denied the assistance of a lawyer during his trial in the lower court.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The court's ruling came on a reference arising out of a split verdict of a two-judge bench which had held that the trial against the appellant was flawed, but had differed on the course to be followed.

While one judge had ordered de novo trial, the other had directed that Hussain "be deported to his country in accordance with the law, and till then he shall remain in jail custody".

The bomb was planted in a public transport bus in Delhi in 1997. The bus was carrying many passengers out of which four people died while 24 others were injured.

The three-judge bench, in its 32-page verdict, however, struck a balance between the right to fair trial of the accused and the gravity of the offence.

"Gravity of the offences and the criminality with which the appellant is charged are important factors that need to be kept in mind, though it is a fact that in the first instance the accused has been denied due process," the court’s verdict said.

Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On