The Supreme Court has allowed Abdul Nazir Maudany, chairman of the People’s Democratic Party and the prime accused in the 2008 Bengaluru serial bomb blasts case, to travel to his hometown in Kollam, Kerala, from Bengaluru. The decision comes after a modification of the bail conditions imposed on Maudany by the Supreme Court in July 2014. Initially, Maudany was granted bail on the condition that he remain in Bengaluru throughout the trial. However, with the examination of witnesses now completed, Maudany’s lawyers argued that he should be allowed to return to his hometown. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal and advocate Haris Beeran, representing Maudany, stated that their client is an amputee, wheelchair-bound, and suffering from various ailments. They further mentioned that he had complied with previous leave granted to visit Kerala and that he would report to the local police station every 15 days. The court, accordingly, modified the bail condition and directed Maudany to inform the local police station before traveling from Kollam to Ernakulam for his hospital visits. In April, the Supreme Court had previously allowed Maudany to travel to Kerala, provided he paid for the expenses of his police escort. However, the visit was later canceled due to Maudany’s inability to afford the expenses. Maudany has repeatedly filed petitions stating that he is in critical health condition and facing numerous challenges, including unfamiliar surroundings and financial burdens, while being away from his hometown. The Supreme Court’s decision now allows him to return to Kollam, Kerala, with certain reporting and travel requirements.
