2003 blast accused opposes trial under POTA

MUMBAI: After 16 convicts in the 1993 serial blasts case sought the quashing of the application of TADA against them, an accused in the 2003 twin blasts here wants setting aside of prosecution against him under the repealed Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA).

Ashrat Ansari, facing trial for his alleged involvement in the twin blasts which killed 50, has filed an application in the court stating that POTA had expired in 2004.

The court, after hearing the application on Thursday, directed the prosecution to file its reply by June 26.

Ansari's counsel Sushan Kunjuraman cited the opinion of Supreme Court Judge Markandey Katju in his judgement in a TADA case which had been used by the 16 convicts awaiting sentencing in the 1993 blasts.

Kunjuraman contended that the opinion is applicable to this case as well, as Section 1 (6) of POTA is 'similar' to Section 1 (4) of TADA, a clause which was cited by the defence in the Mumbai blasts case.

The defence contended that prosecution proceedings were liable to be quashed. Kunjuraman sought that the matter be referred to the Bombay High Court or any other relief be granted.

Five persons are facing trial for the blasts at the historic Gateway of India and busy Zaveri Bazaar in South Mumbai. Over 100 people were also injured in the explosions.