Supreme Court sets aside death sentence in 1996 Dausa blast case, orders fresh trial
The Supreme Court has set aside the conviction and death sentence of Abdul Hameed in the 1996 Samleti, Dausa, bus bomb blast case, citing denial of adequate legal assistance during his original trial. The Court also acquitted Pappu alias Salim and refused to interfere with the High Court's acquittal of others. The blast, which occurred on May 22, 1996, killed 14 and injured 37. A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sanjay Karol, and Sandeep Mehta ordered a fresh trial for Hameed, to be concluded within one year by a specialized fast-track court, emphasizing the constitutional guarantee of a fair trial.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court overturned Abdul Hameed's death sentence and conviction in the 1996 Dausa blast case due to lack of legal assistance.
- The Court ordered a fresh trial for Hameed, to be completed within one year by a specialized fast-track court.
- Pappu alias Salim, another key accused, was acquitted by the Supreme Court.
- The ruling emphasized that a fair trial is a constitutional guarantee and its breach vitiates conviction.
- The 1996 Samleti blast resulted in 14 deaths and 37 injuries.
Exam Facts
- Case: 1996 Samleti, Dausa, bus bomb blast case.
- Accused whose death sentence was set aside: Abdul Hameed.
- Supreme Court bench: Justices Vikram Nath, Sanjay Karol, and Sandeep Mehta.
- Blast date: May 22, 1996.
- Outfit that claimed responsibility: Jammu and Kashmir Islamic Front.
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