7/11 serial train blasts: HC asks Mumbai University if convict can take law exams online
Mumbai (PTI): The Bombay High Court has sought to know from the Mumbai University if it can permit a convict in the 7/11 serial bomb blasts case to take his law examinations online.
A division bench of Justices Makarand Karnik and Kamal Khata on Friday said owing to security reasons, the situation may warrant to permit the candidate, Mohammed Sajid Marghoob Ansari, to appear for his exams online.
On July 11, 2006, seven bomb blasts occurred in coaches of some local trains in Mumbai, killing 189 persons and injuring 824 others.
In September 2015, a special court convicted Ansari and others in the blasts case.
Ansari had sought permission to appear for the second semester law examinations held by the Siddharth Law College in south Mumbai from May 3 to May 15.
The court then permitted him to physically appear for the exams and directed the Nashik central prison authorities to take him to the college on the exam dates.
On May 10, Ansar moved an application saying he could not appear for the papers held on May 3 and 9.
The prosecution said despite genuine efforts made by the Nashik central prison authorities, Ansari could not be taken to the college on time.
The bench directed the prison superintendent to file an affidavit by June 5, stating why there was a delay.
The court also asked advocate Rui Rodrigues, appearing for the Mumbai University, if Ansari could be permitted to appear for the exams online to which he said there was no such facility.
In the peculiar facts as in the present case, the situation may warrant, having regard to the security concerns, to permit the candidate to appear through the online mode, the HC said.
The court directed the Mumbai University to clarify its stand for permitting such candidates to appear through the online mode.
"We request the competent authority of Mumbai University to look into this aspect and after consulting with all concerned, including the ATS (Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad), place its stand on record," the court said.
The bench also asked the university to say if the two exams that Ansari missed owing to circumstances beyond his control could be rescheduled.
The high court posted the matter for further hearing on June 10.
In 2015, Ansari got permission from the court to pursue the law degree course.
In 2023, he got permission to appear for the first semester exams.
The high court while granting permission to Ansari to appear for the second semester exams noted that he has undergone actual imprisonment for more than 17 years and during his incarceration pursued further education.
The prosecution opposed his plea claiming he was a high risk prisoner convicted on serious charges.
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DMK to challenge Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Supreme Court
Chennai: Tamil Nadu’s ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has announced its decision to challenge the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Supreme Court. The Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha early Thursday morning with a 288-232 vote despite strong opposition from several parties.
Chief Minister M K Stalin, addressing the Tamil Nadu Assembly while wearing a black ribbon in protest, condemned the passage of the Bill, calling it an attack on the Constitution and an attempt to disturb communal harmony. He reiterated that Tamil Nadu would fight against the BJP-led Union government on the issue of Waqf properties.
“A majority of political parties opposed the Bill, yet it was pushed through with support from some alliance partners. This move is condemnable. The DMK will challenge it in the Supreme Court,” Stalin said.
On March 27, the Tamil Nadu Assembly had passed a resolution against the Bill. Stalin had then accused the BJP government of introducing policies aimed at excluding certain communities, citing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) as an example.
“The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is another attempt by the Union Government to interfere in the religious administration of Muslims. It grants greater control to the government over Waqf properties, undermining their autonomy and violating fundamental rights,” he said.
Stalin further accused the BJP of pushing a divisive agenda, asserting that the Bill would create legal hurdles for Waqf institutions and strip them of their autonomy.
