HC upholds death for 38 in Ahmedabad serial blast case
The Gujarat High Court on Tuesday upheld the special trial court’s 2022 judgment, confirming death sentences for 38 convicted terrorists and life imprisonment for 11 others in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts case.
A Division Bench of Justices AY Kogje and Samir Dave rejected all appeals from the convicts, bringing closure to one of India’s deadliest terror attacks after almost 18 years in court. A special court had earlier tried 77 accused. In February 2022, it convicted 49 individuals while acquitting 28 for lack of sufficient evidence. Of the convicted, 38 were sentenced to death under the stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code for murder.
The remaining 11 received life imprisonment. The convicts challenged both the conviction and the sentence before the High Court.
The High Court fully upheld the trial court’s findings after reviewing evidence, including call records, forensic reports, witness statements, CCTV footage and confessions. The judges said the prosecution had proven the conspiracy, the execution, and each accused person’s role beyond a reasonable doubt. The court called the verdict one of the strongest and most historic in India’s fight against terrorism, sending a clear message of “zero mercy” to those who target civilians.
On July 26, 2008, 21 bombs exploded in crowded markets, buses, and hospitals across Ahmedabad in just 70 minutes. The attacks, carried out by members of the banned group Indian Mujahideen (IM), killed 56 people and injured over 200. Blasts were meticulously planned, using timer devices and targeting civilian areas to maximise casualties and spread fear.
The Gujarat Government called the judgment a “historic victory” for justice. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi described it as “38 DEATH SENTENCES. 11 LIFE TERMS. ZERO MERCY.” In a widely shared post, he mentioned the dates of the blasts and praised the judiciary for handing down the maximum punishment.
The High Court also directed the State Government to give compensation to the victims and their families, recognising their long wait for justice. The convicts have 30 days to appeal to the Supreme Court if they want to challenge the order.
