The Bombay High Court has quashed charges against four accused in the 2006 Malegaon blast case, marking a major development in one of India’s most high-profile terror investigations.
Bombay High Court Orders Discharge of 4 Accused in 2006 Malegaon Blast Case
In a significant legal ruling, the Bombay High Court on Wednesday discharged four accused in the 2006 Malegaon serial bomb blast case, which had claimed 31 lives and left 312 people injured in the communally sensitive powerloom town.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar set aside the order framing charges against Rajendra Chaudhary, Dhan Singh, Manohar Ram Singh Narwaria, and Lokesh Sharma.
Court Allows Appeal, Quashes Charges
The High Court delivered its verdict while hearing an appeal filed by two of the accused through advocate Kaushik Mhatre. The petition challenged a September 30, 2025 order of a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court that had framed charges against them.
The court allowed the appeal and discharged all four appellants, effectively ending the trial proceedings against them at this stage.
Earlier Delay Condoned, Trial Stayed
Earlier in January this year, the High Court had condoned a 49-day delay in filing the appeal, noting that it was a statutory appeal under Section 21 of the National Investigation Agency Act (NIA Act).
At that time, the court had also stayed the trial court’s order, observing that a prima facie case for interference existed and that further proceedings should remain suspended until the appeal was decided.
Background of the Malegaon Blast Case
The incident dates back to September 8, 2006, when multiple explosions ripped through Malegaon, a textile hub in Maharashtra.
Following the attack, police registered an offence under provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and other related laws against unknown persons.
The case saw multiple investigative agencies over the years:
- Initially probed by Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), which arrested 12 accused and filed a charge sheet in December 2006
- Later transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in February 2007
- Eventually handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which re-investigated and included the four appellants among the accused in a fresh charge sheet
Case Remains One of India’s Most Sensitive Terror Investigations
The Malegaon blast case has remained one of India’s longest-running and most politically and legally sensitive terror investigations, with multiple twists in the judicial process over nearly two decades.
The latest High Court ruling adds a new dimension to the ongoing legal narrative surrounding the case.
What did the Bombay High Court decide in the Malegaon blast case?
The Bombay High Court discharged four accused and quashed the order framing charges against them.
Who were the accused discharged?
Rajendra Chaudhary, Dhan Singh, Manohar Ram Singh Narwaria, and Lokesh Sharma.
How many people were affected in the Malegaon blasts?
The 2006 blasts killed 31 people and injured 312 others.
Which agencies investigated the case?
The case was investigated by ATS, CBI, and later the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
