Dr. Abraham Mathai, Founder-Chairman of the Harmony Foundation, has expressed his concerns on the Bombay High Court’s recent decision on Monday to acquit all twelve accused in the 2006 Mumbai train blasts case. This verdict reflects the failure of the criminal justice system handling of one of the most significant and horrific criminal cases in recent Indian history.
The Bombay High Court’s decision weighs heavily on the hearts of all who mourn the 189 lives lost and the 824 individuals injured in the horrific tragedy. “The serial bomb blasts of July 11, 2006, on Mumbai’s Western Railway line left an enduring scar on the city and the nation. The pursuit of justice for the victims and their families remains a vital responsibility of the state”, Dr. Mathai further added.
While expressing respect for the judicial process, Dr. Mathai has emphasized that the acquittal stemming from the prosecution’s failure to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt casts a deep shadow over the memory of those who suffered. It also underscores a critical need for reform within the investigative and prosecutorial systems. “While the acquittal does not lessen the enormity of the 2006 blasts it does bring to light the urgent need to address the systemic deficiencies that led to this,” Dr. Mathai said.
He also pointed that the various lapses from the prosecutors as per the High Court are far from minor technicalities; they represent a systemic failure that has obstructed justice in a tragedy of such immense magnitude. This verdict, he stated, is a painful reminder of the grave consequences of prosecutorial inadequacies and the need to focus on constructive solutions to strengthen our systems. The failures in evidence collection and procedural adherence require the need for enhanced training, ethical investigative practices, and streamlined legal processes to ensure justice is served effectively and fairly.
He stressed that the ongoing fight against terrorism which continues to threaten lives and communities worldwide, requires an investigative and prosecutorial framework that is robust, meticulous, and capable of withstanding judicial scrutiny. Such serious failure in the criminal justice system will only embolden such terror attacks in the future, knowing very well that they’ll get away on account of the failure by the prosecution and the investigative agencies not being able to secure a conviction against them as in this case.
Dr. Mathai, who is also the former Vice Chairman of the state’s Minorities Commission has expressed heartfelt sympathy for the families of the victims. He acknowledged their unimaginable pain and anguish that this verdict will bring on them. Justice for them is not just a legal necessity but a moral imperative to honour their suffering and restore trust in our institutions.
Dr. Mathai also said that he supports the decision of the Maharashtra government to approach the Supreme Court against the verdict of the Bombay High Court, acquitting the 12 accused and hopes the Supreme Court if required also initiates a Supreme Court monitored investigation to find out the lacunae and fix responsibility for failure in the criminal justice system in this case to prevent history from repeating.
In conclusion, Dr. Mathai said that for the families and survivors who have endured nearly two decades of grief, this moment underscores the urgent need for justice and accountability. Their patience over the years for justice should inspire us to advocate for a system that upholds truth and compassion, ensuring that their suffering is honoured through a steadfast commitment to justice. Dr. Mathai further said that as civil society we must urge all stakeholders to prioritize systemic reforms and renewed efforts to deliver justice, ensuring that the victims of this heinous attack are never forgotten.
