Malegaon blast case: Court starts hearing arguments on framing of charges

On Monday morning, the agency sought to defer framing of charges against the accused, including Lt Col Srikant Purohit and Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur. Special Public Prosecutor Avinash Rasal, representing the NIA, informed the court that AG has not responded yet and the agency needs some more time.

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Rasal requested the judge to not go forward with framing of charges otherwise the court will have to “re-argue” on applicability of MCOCA charges.

When Judge Tekale asked how much more time is needed, Rasal sought four weeks, which was denied. “Claiming a new limitation, now what is going on?” Judge Tekale questioned Rasal to which the special prosecutor apologised and said it’s “in the interest of justice we request for adjournment”.

Judge Tekale asked the defence lawyers if they were ready to argue on the charges today and on receiving a positive affirmation, Judge Tekale said,” I will start…let them give a response whenever they want. We are ready to go.”

The Supreme Court had on April 15, 2015, said there was no evidence to charge the accused under MCOCA, at that stage. The apex court also ordered that the bail applications of the accused be heard expeditiously by the trial court on merit.