Supreme Court Halts Premature Release of Convict in 1993 Bowbazar Blast Case

The Supreme Court has stayed the premature release of a life convict in the 1993 Bowbazar blast case, putting on hold a Delhi High Court order that had directed his release after more than three decades in prison. The apex court’s intervention came after the West Bengal government challenged the High Court’s decision, arguing that the gravity of the offence warranted continued incarceration.

A Bench comprising Justices P.K. Mishra and Sanjeev Sachdeva issued an interim order staying the release of Md Rashid Khan, who was convicted in connection with the devastating blast that rocked Kolkata’s Bowbazar area in 1993. The court also issued notice to Khan and sought his response to the state government’s appeal.

During the hearing, the West Bengal government contended that the Delhi High Court had failed to adequately consider the seriousness of the crime while directing Khan’s premature release. Representing the state, Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju argued that the offence resulted in extensive loss of life and property and should not be viewed solely through the lens of reformative justice.

The Supreme Court observed that the nature of the crime was extremely grave and remarked that it was comparable to a terrorist act. The Bench noted that allowing the High Court’s order to take effect before hearing the state’s challenge could render the appeal ineffective, prompting it to stay the release until further proceedings.

Khan’s counsel opposed the state’s plea, highlighting that the convict had spent more than 33 years behind bars and had reportedly maintained good conduct during his imprisonment. The defence also referred to the release of another convict in the same case. However, the Supreme Court pointed out that the role attributed to Khan differed from that of other accused and noted allegations that he was among the key figures involved in the crime.

The Bowbazar blast, one of Kolkata’s deadliest explosions, claimed dozens of lives and left hundreds injured when explosives stored in a workshop detonated in a densely populated area. Khan was convicted under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) and sentenced to life imprisonment.