7/11 blasts case accused: HC grants 5-day parole without police escort to convict to attend mother’s death rituals

On June 11, the bench had sought to know from the prison authorities to reconsider the exorbitant escort charges on Shaikh.

On Thursday, the state government lawyer, on instructions from the office of Deputy Inspector of Prison Nashik Division, made a statement that the jailer of the Nashik prison expressed no difficulty in releasing Shaikh on parole only for two days as the 40th day rituals of his deceased mother were scheduled on June 15.

The state lawyer further categorically said that on instructions from prison officials, the petitioner was entitled to be released without being accompanied by the escort and he shall attend the rituals to be performed at his residence, which falls within the jurisdiction of Naya Nagar Police Station of Mira Road in Thane district.

However, the bench directed Shaikh to be released for five days. It noted, “Though she has instructions to make a statement that parole can be availed by him for period of two days, considering the cause for which he has sought parole, we deem it appropriate to permit him to avail the emergency parole for 5 days commencing from June 14, 2024.” It asked him to surrender to the Nashik Prison before June 19 noon.

Before his release, the court also asked Shaikh to execute a personal bond undertaking to avail the parole leave and for reporting to the prison on June 19. It also asked him to give contact numbers of two of his family members, whose identity and location shall be ascertained before he is released.