Transfer of Judge A.K. Lahoti Before 2008 Malegaon Blast Verdict
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Synopsis
On April 6, it was reported that Judge A.K. Lahoti, presiding over the 2008 Malegaon blast case, has been transferred from Mumbai to Nashik, as part of a larger transfer list by the Bombay High Court. Victims' families have expressed concerns about this move.
Key Takeaways
- A.K. Lahoti has been transferred from Mumbai to Nashik.
- The transfer list includes over 200 judges.
- Victims' families have requested to retain Lahoti.
- The trial arguments are nearing completion.
- The blast in Malegaon occurred on September 29, 2008.
Mumbai, April 6 (NationPress) The judge presiding over the special NIA court for the 2008 Malegaon (Maharashtra) blast case, A.K. Lahoti, has been included in the transfer list of district judges released by the Bombay High Court.
As per the general transfer list from the Bombay High Court, Lahoti has been reassigned from a court in Mumbai to Nashik.
More than 200 district judges are part of this transfer list.
These judges are expected to commence their new roles on June 9.
Previously, a lawyer representing the families of the Malegaon blast victims had appealed to the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court to keep A.K. Lahoti in Mumbai.
On March 20, a request was made to Chief Justice Alok Aradhe, emphasizing that the arguments in the blast case were nearing completion.
"This request is made sincerely on behalf of the victims to retain the Hon'ble Special Judge Shri A.K. Lahoti at the Hon'ble City Civil and Sessions Court for Greater Bombay, located in Mumbai," stated the lawyer's letter.
"It is customary for Hon'ble Addl. Sessions Judges to serve in a Sessions Division or Station for a period of 2 to 3 years. A.K. Lahoti has been serving in the Hon'ble City Civil and Sessions Court for Greater Bombay, Mumbai, since June 2022, and he will complete 3 years of his term in the coming months," the letter further noted.
The letter also indicated that families of the victims raised concerns regarding Lahoti's transfer.
"The victims fear that he may be reassigned during the forthcoming Annual General Transfers without finalizing the trial," the letter expressed.
On September 29, 2008, six individuals lost their lives, and numerous others sustained injuries when an explosive device placed on a two-wheeler detonated near a mosque in Malegaon City.
The investigation of the blast case was initially conducted by the Maharashtra ATS before being handed over to the NIA in 2011.
