Madras High Court Grants Interim Bail To 83-Year-Old Man Convicted In 1998 Coimbatore Serial Blasts Case

The Madras High Court has allowed the Interim Bail Petition of S.A. Basha, considering his medical condition and his age. The Detenue was the founder of Al-Umma (banned terrorist outfit) and was convicted in the Coimbatore serial blasts case of 1998.

The Cout also directed the State authorities to submit a report regarding the conduct of the prison inmate before the expiry of the period of three months.

“Since the Prison inmate is taking treatment for his illness, the reporting of the detenu before the Local Police Station is dispensed with for the present. The State authorities shall submit a report with regard to the conduct of the prison inmate before the expiry of the period of three months. Prison inmate will not leave the State of Tamil Nadu without informing the local Police Station in writing at least three days in advance and shall keep them posted about his whereabouts”, the Bench comprising Justice S.S Sundar and Justice Sunder Mohan noted.

Advocate S. Manoharan appeared for the Petitioner and Additional Public Prosecutor E Raj Thilak appeared for the Respondent.

A Writ Miscellaneous Petition was filed by the daughter of the detenu S.A Basha who was convicted in the 1998 Coimbatore serial blasts case, praying for the premature release of her father. However, another application with the same prayer was pending before the Governor.

The Court observed that the petitioners therein have been imprisoned for more than 23 years. Therefore, the Court granted interim bail to the Detenu for the period of three months.

“It is also stated that, on the basis of the report of Hon'ble Mr.Justice N.Authinathan Committee, orders have been obtained from the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and it is now pending before the Hon'ble Governor for approval. Recording the facts relating to the decision of the State Government, the previous Bench of this Court, in several other cases, taking note of the fact that the matter relating to premature release is now pending before the Hon'ble Governor and also taking note of the fact that the petitioners therein are in prison for more than 23 years, has granted interim bail to the petitioners therein subject to conditions. He also submitted that the detenu is bedridden and is now taking treatment in Coimbatore Medical College Hospital”, the Court noted.

Accordingly, the Court allowed the Petition.

Cause Title: B. Mubeena v The State

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