The Supreme Court on June 23, 2026, stayed a Delhi High Court order that had directed the premature release of Md Rashid Khan, a life-term TADA convict in the 1993 Bowbazar blast case, on a petition filed by the State of West Bengal.
A bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Sanjeev Sachdeva issued notice to Khan and listed the matter for further hearing on July 28, 2026, according to Bar & Bench.
Background: How We Got Here
On the night of March 16, 1993, a massive explosion tore through Kolkata’s Bowbazar locality. According to ANI, approximately 70 people died, over 100 were injured, and two buildings collapsed — just days after the Mumbai serial blasts shook the country.
The blast was linked to a large cache of explosives allegedly stockpiled by local don Md Rashid Khan. He was convicted on August 31, 2001 by a TADA Court under the Indian Penal Code, the Explosive Substances Act, and TADA. Both the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court upheld the conviction, as reported by Bar & Bench.
- On March 5, 2014, co-accused Pannalal Jaiswara was granted premature release through remission, according to LiveLaw and ANI.
- On March 25, 2015, the State Sentence Review Board (SSRB) initially recommended Khan’s premature release. The recommendation was subsequently reviewed and rejected, per IANS and ANI, amid legal questions over remission powers for TADA convicts.
- On June 5, 2026, Delhi High Court Justice Neena Bansal Krishna ordered Khan’s release, citing his over 33 years in prison, excellent prison conduct, advanced age, and the reformative theory of punishment.
West Bengal urgently approached the Supreme Court the following week. The matter was first mentioned before Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice V Mohana, who agreed to list it for hearing on June 22/23, according to LiveLaw and LawBeat.
The Ruling — Key Findings
The bench of Justices PK Mishra and Sanjeev Sachdeva granted an immediate stay. The Court’s concern about the stakes was direct: if Khan were released before the matter was fully heard, the petition would become infructuous.
The bench was quoted by Bar & Bench and Tribune India as observing: “This is almost terrorist activity.” The Court also remarked that Khan’s role was that of a mastermind and that his mind remained fully functional.
The bench formally ordered: “Notice. In the meanwhile the impugned order to be stayed,” and separately directed: “In the meantime, the impugned order shall remain stayed,” per IANS. The Court added: “If we don’t grant interim relief (stay) and he is released in between then this will become infructuous.”
West Bengal’s SLP challenged the Delhi HC’s June 5 order on the ground that the SSRB had recommended against Khan’s premature release, and the High Court had granted relief contrary to that recommendation, according to LiveLaw and Tribune India.
Reactions & What’s Next
Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, appearing for the State of West Bengal, placed the human toll of the 1993 blast before the bench — approximately 70 deaths, more than 100 injuries, and two collapsed buildings — to press the case against Khan’s release, as reported by Bar & Bench and ANI.
Senior Advocate MR Shamshad, appearing on caveat for Khan, argued that his client is 77 years old, was not convicted for murder, suffers from diabetes, hypertension, and cataract, and maintained excellent prison conduct throughout his incarceration. Shamshad also pointed to the earlier remission granted to co-accused Jaiswara in March 2014, per ANI and LiveLaw.
The Supreme Court has listed the matter for further hearing on July 28, 2026, according to Bar & Bench and Tribune India. Until then, the bowbazar blast convict remission stay remains operative and Khan will not be released.
More legal news at The Courtroom.
Why did the Supreme Court stay the Delhi HC order for Md Rashid Khan’s release?
The Supreme Court stayed the Delhi HC’s June 5, 2026 order because the State of West Bengal challenged it, arguing the High Court granted relief contrary to the SSRB’s recommendation against premature release. The bench also noted Khan’s role as a mastermind and characterised the offence as “almost terrorist activity,” according to Bar & Bench and Tribune India.
Who is Md Rashid Khan and what was he convicted for?
Md Rashid Khan is a life-term convict sentenced on August 31, 2001, by a TADA Court for his role in the March 16, 1993 Bowbazar blast in Kolkata. He was convicted under the Indian Penal Code, the Explosive Substances Act, and TADA. The blast killed approximately 70 people, injured over 100, and destroyed two buildings, per ANI and Bar & Bench.
What is the next date of hearing in the Bowbazar blast remission case?
The Supreme Court has listed the State of West Bengal’s Special Leave Petition challenging Khan’s premature release for further hearing on July 28, 2026, according to Bar & Bench and Tribune India. The stay on the Delhi HC order remains operative until then.
Which judges presided over the Supreme Court hearing on June 23, 2026?
The bench that stayed the Delhi HC order and issued notice comprised Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra (presiding) and Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, as confirmed by Bar & Bench, LiveLaw, IANS, and ANI.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws may change or vary by case — consult a qualified lawyer before acting. The Courtroom is not liable for any reliance on this content.
