Mulund blast case accused challenges judge's jurisdiction

Mumbai, Aug 3 (UNI) City civil and sessions court principal judge R R Waccha will tomorrow hear an application filed by Saquib Nachan, prime accused in the March 13, 2003 Mulund blast case, challenging POTA court judge S S Joshi's jurisdiction in conducting trials in the case.

Saquib Nachan had filed an application objecting that Judge Bhatkar does not have the jurisdiction to continue the trial which was halted after the transfer of then POTA judge Ashok Bhangale.

He contended that following POTA court judge Bhangale's transfer, the new judge appointed in his place cannot conduct the trials without proper notification since POTA is no longer in existence.

Nachan has also pleaded that the Mulund blast case should be transferred to any additional sessions court and the case be tried for offences under the Indian Penal Code.

UNI ST MAZ PR GC1903