The Special MCOCA Court has fixed July 30 as the date for framing of charges against the 13 accused in last year’s July 11 serial blasts case. Four accused—Dr Tanvir Ansari, Abdul Wahid Din Shaikh, Sajid Ansari and Ehteshaam Siddiqui—who do not have lawyers, have to find one latest by July 13, the court said. Their advocate, Amin Solkar, has withdrew from the case earlier.

Ansari, Shaikh and Siddiqui, who were present in the court, told the court that they hadn’t yet spoken to their families and decided on engaging an advocate, and that they didn’t wish to avail of legal aid. Sajid Ansari could not come to the court as he was admitted to J J Hospital.

Special MCOCA Court Judge Mrudula Bhatkar said: “In all fairness, considering the gravity of the charges the accused are facing, 15 days time is granted to the accused to engage the advocates of their choice.”

Judge Bhatkar said they should appoint the advocates by July 6, and July 13 was the last date for the advocates to file vakalatnama. Special Public Prosecutor Raja Thakre said: “Your honour has given the accused sufficient time to engage advocates that is in consonance with their rights. On July 30, nobody should come with a prayer for adjournment.” Judge Bhatkar agreed with him and said the time given to the advocates was enough for preparation. She also said if the defence wants to file an application for any document, they should do so before July 30.