November 1: Designated Tada Judge P D Kode trying the 1993 serial bomb blasts case has for the first time permitted the accused on bail to venture out of Maharashtra if they wish to enjoy their Diwali vacation elsewhere in the country.About 100 accused, who are out on bail, have been permitted to visit any part of India till November 14 on an application moved by defence advocates Farhana Shah and Subhash Kanse. In his order today, the judge observed that if the applicants misuse the facility and tamper with evidance, their bail would be cancelled.
The court had earlier granted bail on condition that the accused would not leave the city without its permission. During the court's vacation later, it had permitted them to visit any area within the state.
There are 128 accused facing trial, with 28 of them in custody including Yaqoob Memon and other members of his family. However, prime accused Tiger Memon and Dawood Ibrahim are still absconding.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.