Pragya Thakur: Seventeen years after the deadly Malegaon blast shook Maharashtra, the case continues to find its way back into the courts. Families of the victims, who have carried the weight of grief and unanswered questions for more than a decade, are once again seeking justice. Their fight took a new turn when the Bombay High Court stepped in to examine an appeal challenging the acquittals in the case.
Notices Sent to Acquitted Accused
On Thursday, the High Court issued notices to BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, serving Army officer Lt Col Prasad Purohit, and five others who were acquitted in July 2025. Notices were also directed to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), while the state Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) was represented by Additional Public Prosecutors who waived the need for a formal notice.
Families of Victims Demand a Re Look
Advocate Mateen Shaikh, representing the victims’ families, argued that the appellants include the father, brother, son, and father in law of those who lost their lives in the blast. He emphasized that they had the right to challenge the verdict, pointing out that some had even been examined as witnesses during the trial.
Bench Questions Maintainability of Appeal
The bench, led by Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam A. Ankhad, raised questions about the legal standing of the appeal. They asked whether the appellants truly fell under the definition of “victim.” Shaikh cited the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS) for support, but the judges clarified that the BNSS would not apply to an incident that occurred in 2008. Instead, the appeal would have to rely on provisions from the Indian Penal Code.
Malegaon Blast: A Case That Shook the Nation
The Malegaon blast on September 29, 2008, killed and injured multiple people after an explosive strapped to a motorcycle detonated near a mosque. The ATS initially claimed that the motorcycle belonged to Sadhvi Pragya Thakur and accused Lt Col Purohit of procuring RDX while serving in Kashmir. However, the trial court later dismissed these claims, pointing to inconsistencies and stating that evidence was not strong enough to support the charges.
A Politically Charged Legal Battle
The case has always carried political undertones, often sparking debates around the term “Hindu terror.” While the trial court’s acquittal was welcomed by sections of the political spectrum, the victims’ families refused to give up. Their appeal has brought the spotlight back on a case that reflects not just legal complexities, but also the deep emotions of justice delayed.
What Lies Ahead
With the court now issuing fresh notices, the case is set to re-enter the courtroom for further arguments. Notices are expected to be served across several states, including Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand, and the next hearing is scheduled six weeks later. For the grieving families, this is another opportunity to keep their fight for justice alive.
Disclaimer: This article is a journalistic account based on court updates and publicly available information regarding the Malegaon blast case. It does not intend to pass judgment on any individual or institution. Readers are encouraged to follow official court proceedings for the most accurate and updated information.
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