Supreme Court Stops Early Release of Bowbazar Blast Life Convict

The Supreme Court has blocked a Delhi High Court order that granted premature release to Md Rashid Khan, a life convict in the 1993 Bowbazar blast. The West Bengal government challenged the ruling, arguing that the bombing caused heavy casualties and destruction. Justices observed that Khan was allegedly the mastermind of the attack, which they described as "almost terrorist activity." The court issued a notice to Khan, seeking his response.

Khan was sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in the blast that ripped through the Bowbazar area of Kolkata in 1993, killing several people and damaging property. The Delhi High Court had earlier allowed his release under a remission policy, prompting the state to appeal.

The case now returns to the top court, which will decide whether the convict's role disqualifies him from remission. The judgment could set a precedent for how courts weigh severity of a crime against ordinary remission rules. No next hearing date has been set.