Madani bail plea: SC seeks State’s reply
The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the State government to file its reply to the bail application of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Abdul Nasser Madani, who has been jailed for his alleged role in the 2008 Bangalore serial blasts.
A Bench of Justices Markandeya Katju and Gyan Sudha Mishra directed the State government to file its response within a week.
The court, however, expressed its surprise after perusing the file and noting that Madani was physically challenged and wheelchair bound.
“How can a wheelchair-bound man pose a threat if he is released on bail,” Justice Katju wondered.
However, Justice Mishra pointed out the serious charges against Madani. “The charges against the accused are serious. He has been involved in a series of blasts and has also tampered with evidence,” Justice Mishra said.
Senior advocate Shanti Bhushan, who appeared for Madani, submitted that he had been falsely implicated in the case. He also pointed out that Madani had remained in jail for over nine years following his implication in the 1998 Coimbatore serial blasts, but was later acquitted by the court.
The court issued a notice to the Karnataka government and decided to hear the matter on April 29. Madani was arrested on August 17 last year in Kerala following allegations of his involvement in the 2008 blasts at nine places in Bangalore that claimed lives of a woman and left over 20 injured.
The High Court had on February 11 dismissed his bail plea, saying his release could put the security of the State and the nation in jeopardy.
