Bombay HC refuses furlough leave to Yakub Memon's sister-in-law Rubina

The Bombay High Court on Thursday refused to grant furlough leave to Rubina Memon, sister-in-law of hanged 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blast convict, Yakub Memon.

The court dismissed the petition accepting that if she is released on furlough leave, several people will come to console her in Mahim over the death of Yakub, and it could lead to a law and order situation.

A division bench of Justice V K Tahilramani and Justice A M Badar rejected the petition filed by Memon who has been convicted and sentenced to suffer life imprisonment under the now repealed Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (prevention) Act for being a part of the serial blast conspiracy.

Memon had moved an application before the prison authorities in March which was rejected after a report was submitted by the Mahim police claiming that her release would cause law and situation.

Following, which she appealed before the Deputy Inspector General who also upheld the authorities order.

Advocate Farhana Shah appearing for Memon had moved the High Court challenging the order of the authorities.  "Other co-accused had been granted furlough leave, it is the right of every convict to be released on furlough," she argued. 

Public Prosecutor Hitendra Dedhia opposed the plea by relying on a 2012 circular which barred released of persons convicted for terrorist acts on furlough leave.

The court after considering everything dismissed the petition.