
SC refuses premature release of terror convict, asks him to challenge remission policy
Supreme Court
on Monday declined to order the premature release of
Ghulam Mohammad Bhat
, a convict in a
triple murder case
allegedly linked to a
terrorist act
.
A bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and SVN Bhatti, however, allowed Bhat to challenge the remission policy of
Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir
by filing an application in another pending case.
The bench heard Bhat's plea for early release on the ground that he had served 27 years in prison.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Remember Him? Sit Down Before You See What He Looks Like Now
33 Bridges
Undo
While senior advocate Colin Gonsalves appeared for Bhat, additional solicitor general
K M Nataraj
represented the union territory.
Bhat allegedly entered the residence of an Army informer and opened fire with an AK-47 rifle, killing three persons.
Live Events
Explosive devices, including a Under Barrerl Grenade Launcher grenade, were also reportedly recovered from the scene, the prosecution alleged.
Nataraj submitted killing civilians for allegedly providing information to the Army amounted to a terrorist act and therefore Bhat was disentitled from availing benefits of premature release.
"The act was intended to create fear and deter cooperation with lawful authorities. This goes beyond a simple murder," he said.
Agreeing with the contention, the bench said "If the act was committed to create fear, to ensure that no one dares to side with the law, then it certainly carries the characteristics of a terrorist act."
The top court continued, "Even if TADA was not invoked during trial, that doesn't automatically disentitle the court from assessing the true nature of the offence for the purposes of remission."
Gonsalves, however, argued Bhat was convicted only under Section 302 IPC (murder) and the Arms Act, and not under any anti-terror legislation TADA.
"Nothing was proved in court to attract the provisions of TADA. The trial court or the high court never found it to be a terrorist act," he said, citing precedents of similarly-situated convicts who were granted premature release.
The bench remained unconvinced and added, "We tentatively agree that the act appears aimed at sending a message that those who cooperate with authorities will face lethal consequences. We cannot turn a blind eye to such implications."
When the counsel for Bhat referred to other premature release cases, the bench noted the absence of a comparable remission policy.
"We don't have the remission policy before us. Without it, how can we draw analogies?" it asked.
Gonsalves then sought liberty to challenge the J&K remission policy within the ongoing proceedings.
The bench allowed him to file an interim plea in a pending matter challenging the same policy.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
BMC plans hawker-free zones across all wards
Mumbai: A year after submitting a list of 20 hawker-free zones to Bombay HC, BMC is now planning to replicate the model across all civic wards. At a recent meeting, municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani directed ward officials to coordinate with local police and identify specific stretches that can be strictly monitored and kept free of illegal hawkers. These areas will be jointly supervised by civic and police staff to ensure consistent enforcement and pedestrian safety. A BMC official said, "Complaints about hawkers occupying footpaths and narrowing walking space have been increasing, especially in high traffic areas. We have been asked to address this through targeted enforcement. The commissioner has also instructed that additional manpower and machinery be provided to wards on demand. Consistent enforcement will send a strong message to hawkers and discourage them from returning. " In May, a dozen housing societies from Thakur village in Kandivli East had approached Mumbai North MP and minister Piyush Goyal, seeking his urgent intervention to address growing encroachment by illegal hawkers in their locality. They said hawkers had taken over roads and footpaths, and claimed that no action had been taken despite repeated complaints and peaceful protests. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Treatment That Might Help You Against Back Pain! Back Pain Treatment | Search Ads Undo You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai In a similar move, traders' body Dadar Vyapari Sangh alleged in a letter to BMC and police chiefs in Feb that the menace of illegal hawkers in Dadar had reached alarming levels. It said it had to discontinue a valet parking initiative it had launched due to lack of official support. Citizen activist Nikhil Desai said effective action is possible if BMC and police work in coordination. "Dadar TT, which is on the list of proposed hawker-free zones, continues to be overrun by hundreds of hawkers at any given time. The only sustainable solution is to relocate them to designated hawking zones." He also recalled how in March a ward officer who took action against illegal flower vendors outside Matunga station was abruptly transferred after facing political pressure. Rajkumar Sharma, president of the Chembur-based advanced locality management and networking action committee, felt authorities keep passing the buck. "Ideally, BMC officials should act against such encroachments before residents are made to take matters in their own hands and go to court."


Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
Barabanki group caught in Mansa Devi stampede; farmer dead, many hurt
Lucknow: Vakil Prasad Verma, 58, from Maulabad village of Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki district was one of the victims of Sunday's stampede Haridwar's Mansa Devi temple. He had travelled to Haridwar as part of a group of 18 from the same district. Several others from the group, including Durga Vati (54), Radhika (40), and Phoolmati from Dhaurmau village, sustained critical injuries. Harishchandra, former gram pradhan and Vakil's close friend, recounted the tragedy: "At 9 am, we learned Vakil was killed, while my sister-in-law Durga Vati, neighbour Radhika, and Phoolmati were critically injured. Vakil was the most eager among us to visit the temple this year. The cancellation of our group's two bus bookings was like signs from Mansa Devi Maa as warning, but Vakil insisted on going. Sadly, he didn't return. " Vakil is survived by his wife Urmila Devi, who suffered minor injuries, and four children. His elder son Shyamu Verma said, "He was our sole breadwinner. I'm still hunting for a job and my siblings are studying. He was deeply religious and visited temples regularly." The Barabanki district administration confirmed that Vakil's mortal remains would be brought home by road early Monday morning. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Ultimate Trick to Finding 5-Star Hotels for $50/Night? Liseer Read More Undo The stampede claimed at least eight lives, including four from Uttar Pradesh: Arush (12) from Bareilly, Vicky (18) from Rampur, and Shanti from Badaun. The incident has sparked calls for improved crowd management and safety measures at pilgrimage sites. Yogi announces Rs 2L ex gratia Lucknow: Expressing grief over the loss of lives in stampede in Haridwar, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased people from Uttar Pradesh and directed officials to coordinate with their counterparts in Uttarakhand and hand over bodies of the victims to their families. In a message on X, the CM said, "The loss of life in the unfortunate accident on the Sri Mansa Devi Temple road in Haridwar, Uttarakhand is extremely sad and heartbreaking. My condolences are with the bereaved families. I pray to Maa Mansa Devi to grant salvation to the departed souls, strength to the bereaved families to bear this immense sorrow and speedy recovery to the injured. Om Shanti!" "Instructions have been given to the officials to coordinate with the Uttarakhand govt and hand over the bodies of the residents of Uttar Pradesh who died in the accident to their home districts," he said. "The UP govt will provide financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of each deceased from Uttar Pradesh in this accident," he added.


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Andre Johnson targeted in Texas home burglary as Lil Keke pleads for help finding stolen NFL treasures
Andre Johnson targeted in Texas home burglary as Lil Keke pleads for help finding stolen NFL treasures (Image via Getty) Andre Johnson, a Hall of Fame wide receiver who spent his entire career in Houston playing for the Texans, had a break in at his home in Fort Bend County (near Houston, Texas) during the weekend of July 26-27, 2025. Rapper Lil Keke took to social media on Sunday, July 27, and posted about the break in and requested people in Houston to help find the stolen items. Items stolen from Johnson were unique dedications that were a part of his time and career in Houston. As of now police are investigating the burglary and theft with information from Keke. Lil Keke says Andre Johnson's personal treasures were stolen Lil Keke (Marcus Lakee Edwards), a well‑known Houston rapper and friend of Andre Johnson, spoke in an Instagram video on July 27. He said: 'Over the weekend, someone broke into my brother's home and took some items that represent his legacy, represent his dedication, his hard work, his family.' He made it clear that the stolen items are not everyday belongings like clothes or a car. He described them as personal and symbolic, things that mark Johnson's long football career and his strong ties to Houston. He urged people in Houston to use their networks: 'put our ears to the street… put our nose to the ground… and find out who got these items and get them back to our brother.' Andre Johnson's agent, Kennard McGuire, confirmed the break‑in and the theft but did not add more details. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Andre Johnson's legacy, and why these items matter Born in Miami, Andre Johnson spent most of his NFL career with the Houston Texans. Over 1,000 catches for almost 14,000 yards and 64 touchdowns over 12 seasons The first player in Texans franchise history to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024, he earned that honour. Also Read: Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Baby Name Reveal In Missouri Sparks A Viral Fan Frenzy Johnson lives in the Houston area now. The items stolen are linked to his years of playing and giving back to the community. Lil Keke said these items are not about money, they are about family and legacy: 'This represents much, much more than some money. He family, we family.' Local police in Fort Bend County are handling the case and asking for anyone with tips or information. Lil Keke's message closes with a strong request to Houston fans: help him bring these items home so they can go back to Andre Johnson. FAQs 1. When was Andre Johnson's house broken into? Andre Johnson's house was broken into over the weekend of July 26–27, 2025. 2. What did the burglars steal from Andre Johnson's home? They stole personal items linked to Andre Johnson's football career and family memories. 3. Who shared the news about Andre Johnson's burglary? Houston rapper Lil Keke shared the news and asked locals to help recover the items. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!