Gujarat HC Upholds Death and Life Sentences for 49 Convicts

A Gujarat High Court division bench on Tuesday upheld the convictions and sentences for 49 individuals in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial bomb blasts case, confirming death penalties for 38 convicts and life imprisonment for 11 others. The court rejected all appeals against the special court's 2022 verdict, bringing a measure of closure to one of India's deadliest terror attacks.

The coordinated bombings on July 26, 2008, involved 21 explosions across the city within approximately 70 minutes, targeting buses, public places, and two hospitals. The attacks killed 56 people and injured more than 200 others. The High Court also ordered enhanced compensation, directing that the families of each deceased victim receive 10 lakh rupees, while each of the more than 200 injured victims receive one lakh rupees.

The legal process began with a lengthy trial in a special court, which in February 2022 convicted 49 out of 77 accused individuals. The court acquitted 28 others. The convicted individuals were found guilty under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, the Explosive Substances Act, and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. Charges...