Mumbai Police Submit Status Report on 26/11 Accused Proclamation Process

The Mumbai police on Friday submitted an interim report to the court detailing the process underway to serve proclamation orders on six absconding accused wanted in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case.

Special Public Prosecutor Ujwal Nikam informed the court that the proclamation order, which was originally issued on June 30, was forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The ministry acknowledged receipt of the order on August 3. The order is subsequently slated to be sent to Interpol so that it can be formally served to the accused individuals residing in Pakistan.

The prosecution moved the fresh plea for proclamation as part of mandatory legal compliance required to begin the trial against the six accused in their absence. Under the provisions of the new law, the prosecution is empowered to commence trial proceedings against absconding accused if they fail to appear before the court after being declared proclaimed offenders.

On Friday, the prosecution told the court that it needs additional time to process the proclamation and serve it to the accused. Following the submission, the court adjourned the matter and scheduled the next hearing for September 14, directing the prosecution to submit a report on the status of the proclamation.

Once the procedural compliance is completed, the court may order the trial to proceed against the accused in their absence by recording that they have voluntarily waived their right to physical appearance. The court can then appoint a lawyer from the legal aid cell to represent the absconding accused, allowing the prosecution to proceed with leading evidence against them.