Bombay HC issues notices to Centre, Maha govt on 13/7 blasts

Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Mumbai Crime Branch are jointly investigating the triple blasts, which had left 27 dead and over 100 wounded. The explosions had rocked crowded thoroughfares in Zaveri Bazaar and Opera House in south and Dadar in central Mumbai.

The PIL filed by advocate V P Patil contended that since the blasts were an act of terror against the nation, a central agency like the CBI or National Investigation Agency should be entrusted with the probe.

The division bench of Justices D D Sinha and V K Tahilramani issued notices to the Union and state governments and directed that the matter be clubbed with another PIL filed post 26/11 terror attacks seeking streamlining of the security and intelligence apparatus in the state.

Patil, in his petition, prayed for action against Maharashtra Government for alleged failure of intelligence machinery resulting in terror attacks. He also pleaded that a committee be formed to improve police machinery in the state.

"Since this prayer is similar to those raised in the 26/11 PIL, the matter can be clubbed and heard together," the court said.

The matter would come up for hearing in due course.