Sadhvi approaches HC, challenges victim’s intervention in trial

After getting bail, Sadhvi Pragyasingh Thakur, who is the prime accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, has once again approached Bombay High Court. This time she has challenged the orders of the special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court that allowed intervention of a victim in the trial of the case.

Sadhvi, through her advocates has approached a Division Bench presided over by Justice Vijaya Tahilramani and Justice Makarand Karnik. She has challenged the intervention of Nisar Bilal, father of a victim who reportedly died in the blasts that killed about six people and injured over 100.

The special NIA court had in February this year allowed Bilal’s application seeking intervention to assist the court and the prosecution. Bilal had approached the special court after the NIA filed its charge-sheet, giving “clean chit” to Sadhvi.

In her application before HC, Sadhvi has contended that the special NIA judge did not hear her before allowing Bilal to intervene. She has objected to Bilal’s intervention on grounds that he does not have any ‘locus standi’ in this matter.

Advocate Prashant Maggu, appearing for Sadhvi, said, “We have challenged the special court's orders as we were not heard at that time. The intervenor (Bilal) has no locus standi in this matter and so his intervention is not permissible under law.”

After perusing the Sadhvi’s application, Justice Tahilramani issued notices to NIA seeking the agency’s response. The matter has been posted for further hearing on June 4.