By Salman Sultan, TwoCircles.net,
Azamgarh: The Supreme Court of India on February 22 issued a notice to states asking if special courts could be established for speedy trial of terror cases. The apex court issued the notice on a petition from accused of Batla House and Delhi blasts cases. They had pleaded with the court for clubbing and transfer of their cases. Dr. Javed Akhtar, President, Association for Welfare, Medical, Educational and Legal Assistance, welcomed the court order.
Dr. Javed Akhtar briefed TwoCircles.net about the order on writ petition number 14/2010 filed in Supreme Court through Adv M.S. Khan and other lawyers. The petition was filed on behalf of 9 accused, most of them belong to Azamgarh and each one has been slapped with 30-50 cases, complete trial of which will outlast their lives if no special arrangement is made. For setting up special courts in Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Surat, Jaipur and Delhi for terror cases, the Supreme Court has issued notice to Karnataka, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Delhi.
Congress leader Mr. Digvijay Singh in his press conference in Shibli National College, Azamgarh, had also admitted the gigantic and almost impossible task of defense for the seemingly fake Batla House encounter accused lodged in different jails of our country. As these Muslim boys belong to middle class families and as they are alleged to be involved with scores of bomb blasts, how they will get the time, fund and energy for their honourable acquittal? In almost all terror related cases honourable courts are acquitting the alleged accused but this happens only when the reputation, employment opportunities and peace of mind of these young educated Muslim boys is shattered.
Dr. Javed Akhtar, President, AWMELA
Dr. Javed Akhtar talks about the legal battle for Batla House accused (video) and mentions the stay of proceedings in Gujarat. He expresses sorrow over the loss of a brilliant young advocate, Shahid Azmi. He tells about the virtuous mission of Late Azmi and demands protection for all those championing the cause of justice.
Honourable Court’s order
Following is the link for SC order dated 22/2/2010:
http://courtnic.nic.in/supremecourt/temp/14201042222010p.txt