In a major development, the Bombay High Court has released all accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, which had claimed lost 37 lives and injured over 100 people. The court cited lack of evidence and doubts in prosecution claims, including the failure of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to prove that the motorcycle used in the blast belonged to one of the accused, Pragya Singh Thakur.
The case has once again brought attention to allegations of double standards in India’s justice system. In contrast, in the 2007 Hyderabad blast case, a woman accused—who reportedly did not even know how to ride a two-wheeler—was sent to jail without conclusive evidence.
Observers and civil rights activists have pointed out that witness statements in such cases often change—either due to fear, monetary influence, or communal pressure. Concerns are also growing over the role of the NIA, which some allege has shown bias by acting harshly against Muslim suspects while being lenient in cases involving Hindu accused.
Legal experts warn that such patterns undermine public faith in the justice system. “When investigations become politically or communally influenced, justice turns into a mockery,” said one senior lawyer.
