Agreeing with the CBI’s contention, the Supreme Court on Tuesday granted bail to Sanjay Dutt and 16 others in the Mumbai blasts case. The bench, presided over by Chief Justice K Balakrishnan, however imposed certain conditions while releasing them on bail, including that they can’t leave the country without the court’s prior permission. Setting a precedence, the court agreed to e-mail the order granting bail to the concerned TADA court. This was done at the request of senior advocate F S Nariman, appearing for Dutt, who pointed out that when the bail was given last time, it took three-four days for it to reach the authorities at Yerawada Jail in Pune, where he is currently lodged.Other convicts granted bail include Yusuf Mohsin Nulwalla, Zaibunisa Anwar Qazi, Samir Ahmed Hingora, Yusuf Khan, Rubina Memon, Mubina, Essa Memon, Ibrahim Musa Chauhan, police officer Ramesh Dattreya besides Customs officer Somnath Thapa. Appearing for the CBI, Additional Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium noted that those convicted under TADA and those under non-TADA charges stand on a different footing in the case. “I have instructions and I think no investigating agency would oppose grant of bail to those falling in the third category.” Acquitted under TADA and only convicted under the Arms Act, Dutt falls in the third category, besides three others.Subramanium added that the CBI will be inclined to oppose bail to all those convicted for “principal conspiracy”, which involve serious offences. For those convicted under the second charge —- Sections 3(3), 5 or 6 of TADA —- the ASG urged the court to decide each case distinctly with due consideration to the offence and the period of sentence already undergone.The news of Dutt’s bail was welcomed by his sister and Congress MP Priya Dutt. “I want to thank all who have supported us to overcome the situation,” she said.
