Does the SC verdict on the 1993 Mumbai blasts case bring a sense of closure to the victims? Vinay Tewari, managing editor, CNN-IBN joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on the issue.
Q. Does letting the ground level perpetrators of the attack off go down well with the victims? Asked by: Zahir
A. For victims, there is nothing that can heal their wounds. And yes, when any suspect, accused or absconder appears to have been let off or not caught, it makes the sense of closure even worse. Sadly, convictions and acquittals in India are not always a matter of fact and accuracy. Its a function of how well the prosecution presented their case or how badly was it handled. In both situations, it can never be justice done.
Q. Do you think India will ever go the Israeli way of bringing the actual masterminds to justice? Asked by: S Barwe
A. Very valid question sir. A lot of comparisons are made between India's handling of terror vis-a-vis other countries, including Israel. Personally, I don't like the idea of absolute comparisons between two nations in isolation. All countries have a different geo-political strategic reality, compulsion and approach. There is variance in countries' polity, society, culture and systems...so like-for-like comparisons are erroneous. But yes, there is a lot to learn in terms of best practices from other nations. And by all accounts, we are very poor learners of lessons. We are the master of post facto, masters at hindsight...terribly weak at a uniform proactive approach in most things in life. Including fight against terror.
Q. March 12, 1993, should have served as a big enough lesson. But 26/11 showed we have learned nothing. What do you think make us so vulnerable to terror strikes? Asked by: Arup Banerjee
A. Good question Arup...and the answer is simple. We are terrible at learning lessons, and proactively adopting a preventive approach. The policy of zero tolerance does not have systemic, administrative or even social acceptance. We all like to walk around rules, it it suits us. Its a mindset...and we are paying a price for it in a very heavy currency.
Q. 20 years...even after constituting a special court? Asked by: NITIN
A. Yes...many see justice delayed as justice denied. This was a very complicated case, involving 187 accused...of which 100 got convicted...but still 20 years is a very long time...and speeding up terror trials is a key area of our fight against terror.
Q. If Sanjay Dutt was not involve in Mumbai blast then why he is case is also carried with the same court.. Asked by: Raj
A. Raj...a valid question. Here is the reason. The prosecution has stated prior to the Mumbai blasts, a large consignment of RDX and assualt rifles and other weapons landed in India through the sea route. The AK-56 and the 9 mm pistol given to Sanjay Dutt, was part of the consignment, hence his linkage. That's why he was charged with both Arms Act, destruction of evidence as well as for terror conspiracy charges in the then TADA court. The court struck down the terror conspiracy charge but agreed on Arms Act etc. Since the linkage was with the source of weapons, his case is part of Bombay blasts case trial.
Q. What is the road ahead for Mr Dutt now..what are the options with him other than surrendering himself within 4 weeks. Asked by: Rohit
A. Technically, there is a review petition possible in supreme court still. He needs to surrender within four weeks post which he will be sent to jail. But his counsel today made it clear they haven't studied the order, so they can't be sure if the revision deserves merit or not. But aside of a technical window of opportunity, there is little hope for the actor now.
Q. Do you think justice is done really.. Asked by: Ramesh
A. Relevant question...and for families of victims, its never justice. Once you lose a loved one, you are scarred for life.
Q. The 1993 attack also saw the collusion of Indian government officials. Why has this not been highlighted by the media? It is a dangerous thing. Asked by: Sasikumar N
A. Sasi..I wont comment on "media" as that means all channels and newspapers and websites, but on CNN IBN we have been making this point repeatedly on how SC has made scathing comments on Customs officers who, the court said, aided the crime by being derelict in their duty.
Q. Why India even sensitive cases like Mumbai balst take so long to come to closuser..cant there be anyway to fast track atleat senitvie imp cases.. Asked by: Jalan
A. Of course there are ways. And they include not just reducing the load on courts, which are arguably very overloaded, but also by amending laws like crpc and evidence act where certain provisions are exploited to delay trials as part of legal strategy. The prosecution wing of the government needs to be upgraded so that frustrated judges don't have to keep sending material back for corrections and procedural correctness. Its ironical, government is one of the biggest litigant in the country and frivolous cases must be dealt with summarily. Lok Adalats must be set up to get rid of petty white collar cases and minor offences should include the option of plea bargains. Many steps possible...much more will needed!!
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