SC to hear appeal of families of victims against acquittal of accused

NEW DELHI : The Supreme Court has agreed to hear on 17 May an appeal by some of the family members of those killed in the 2008 Jaipur serial blasts challenging the Rajasthan High Court verdict acquitting four men, who were handed down death penalty by a trial court in the case. Jaipur was rocked by a series of blasts on 13 May 2008 when bombs went off one after another at Manak Chawk Khanda, Chandpole Gate, Badi Chaupad, Chhoti Chaupad, Tripolia Gate, Johri Bazar and Sanganeri Gate. The explosions left 71 people dead and 185 injured A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Rajesh Bindal considered the submissions of senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for some of the families of the victims of the blasts. The senior lawyer also sought a stay on the high court’s judgement. The Rajasthan government had on 25 April filed an appeal challenging the high court verdict in the case.