**Title:** Transfer of Judge in Malegaon Blast Case Raises Concerns
**Meta Description:** The transfer of Judge AK Lahoti from the Malegaon blast trial has victims’ families worried about delays in justice.
**URL Slug:** transfer-judge-malegaon-blast-case
**Headline:** Concerns Arise Over Judge AK Lahoti’s Transfer in Malegaon Blast Trial
The recent transfer of Special NIA Judge AK Lahoti, who has been overseeing the 2008 Malegaon blast trial, has sparked concerns among the victims’ families regarding potential delays in justice. Judge Lahoti, who has been conducting daily hearings and was close to concluding the case, is set to move to Nashik as part of a routine judicial reshuffle after completing a three-year tenure.
The families of the blast victims are now exploring legal avenues to contest this transfer at such a critical juncture in the trial. They had previously reached out to the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, urging that Judge Lahoti remain in his position to ensure the trial’s timely conclusion.
During the last hearing, Judge Lahoti instructed both the prosecution and defense to finalize their arguments by April 15, with the expectation of reserving the matter for judgment shortly thereafter. The case involves BJP leader Pragya Thakur, Lt Col Prasad Purohit, and five others, who are accused of participating in the blast that resulted in six fatalities and over 100 injuries when an explosive device detonated near a mosque in Malegaon on September 29, 2008.
Typically, when a judge is transferred, they are expected to complete any pending judgments for cases where hearings have concluded. In ongoing cases, judges strive to resolve them before transferring responsibilities. However, given the extensive records and the advanced stage of arguments in the Malegaon case, it seems unlikely that Judge Lahoti will be able to deliver a judgment before his transfer takes effect on June 9, following the summer court recess.
In light of these developments, the families of the victims have formally requested an extension of Judge Lahoti’s tenure, emphasizing his deep familiarity with the complexities of the case since he took charge in August 2022. Advocate Shahid Nadeem, representing the victims, highlighted the importance of Judge Lahoti’s continued involvement, stating that his understanding of the case is crucial for a fair resolution.
As the situation unfolds, the families remain hopeful for a resolution that will not further delay justice for the victims of the tragic blast.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: Why are the families of the Malegaon blast victims concerned about Judge Lahoti’s transfer?**
A: The families fear that the transfer of Judge Lahoti, who is familiar with the case, may lead to delays in the trial and justice for the victims, as he is nearing the conclusion of the proceedings.
