Shahid Azmi murder case trial likely to resume in June

Azmi, a criminal lawyer, was killed in his office on February 11, 2010.

Shahid Azmi comes to commissoner office to complaint against threats from the under world on 18/10/ 2006. (Express archive photo by Mahendra Parikh)

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Over two months after the Bombay High Court lifted the stay on the trial in the murder case of lawyer Shahid Azmi, the trial is likely to resume from June after the sessions court issued summons to four witnesses earlier this month.

In March, the court directed the prosecution to submit details of the remaining witnesses, following which the Mumbai police crime branch submitted the itinerary on April 6. Four of them are summoned to appear.

On February 7, the high court lifted the stay on the trial, rejecting the application of an accused, seeking transfer of the case before another trial court alleging bias by the sessions court judge. The trial was on hold for six months till the plea was decided. So far, 11 witnesses have been examined.

Azmi, a criminal lawyer, was killed in his office on February 11, 2010. The Mumbai police crime branch arrested four persons — Devendra Jagtap, Hasmukh Solanki, Pintu Dagale and Vinod Vichare — in the case for allegedly executing the murder at the behest of gangster Bharat Nepali. According ot police, Jagtap shot at Azmi.

At present, all accused are on bail. Jagtap, alleged to be the main accused, was granted bail in October 2022 with the court considering the long delay in trial among the grounds for his release.

“The applicant (Jagtap) has remained incarcerated for more than 12 years as on date, and no directions of expediting trial or concluding it in the stipulated period, would offer any solace to him,” Justice Bharti Dangre said in her order.

The court said that it was not inclined to accept the prosecution’s case that the state had not been able to try Jagtap for 12 years.

Sadaf Modak

Sadaf Modak is a distinguished Legal Correspondent based in Mumbai whose work demonstrates exceptional Expertise and Authority in covering the intricacies of the judicial and correctional systems. Reporting for The Indian Express, she is a highly Trustworthy source for in-depth coverage of courtroom proceedings and human rights issues. Expertise Specialized Role: As a dedicated Legal Correspondent, Sadaf Modak possesses deep, specialized knowledge of legal procedures, statutes, and judicial operations, lending immense Authority to her reports. Core Authority & Focus: Her work primarily centers on: Trial Court Proceedings: She mainly covers the trial courts of Mumbai, providing crucial, on-the-ground reporting on the day-to-day legal processes that affect citizens. She maintains a keen eye on both major criminal cases and the "ordinary and not so ordinary events" that reveal the human element within the justice system. Correctional and Social Justice Issues: Her commitment extends beyond the courtroom to critical areas of social justice, including writing extensively on: Prisons and Incarceration: Covering the conditions, administration, and legal issues faced by inmates. Juvenile Justice: Reporting on the complexities of the juvenile justice system and the legal rights of children. Human Rights: Focusing on fundamental human rights within the context of law enforcement and state institutions. Experience Institutional Affiliation: Reporting for The Indian Express—a leading national newspaper—ensures her coverage is subject to high editorial standards of accuracy, impartiality, and legal rigor. Impactful Detail: Her focus on trial courts provides readers with direct, detailed insights into the workings of the justice system, making complex legal narratives accessible and establishing her as a reliable and trusted chronicler of the legal landscape. Sadaf Modak's blend of judicial focus and commitment to human rights issues establishes her as a vital and authoritative voice in Indian legal journalism. She tweets @sadafmodak ... Read More

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