Malegaon Blast: Mumbai Court cancels bailable warrant against Pragya Singh Thakur

A Mumbai court on Friday cancelled the bailable warrant issued against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP) and prime accused in the 2008 Malegaon Blast case, Pragya Singh Thakur..Special judge AK Lahoti who had issued the bailable warrant against Thakur for non-appearance during the ongoing trial in the case, cancelled the warrant after Thakur appeared before the Court today. The Court had earlier directed Thakur to appear before it on March 20 and pay ₹10,000 for cancelling the warrant.However on March 20, Thakur's lawyer sought for exemption from appearance on the ground that the BJP MP was hospitalized. The Court was also informed that Thakur was not served with the bailable warrant by the prosecution agency, National Investigation Agency (NIA).The Court then exempted her appearance for March 20 and stayed execution of the warrant till her discharge from the hospital..Thakur appeared before the Court today with a supporting aid and filed an application for cancellation of the bailable warrant through her lawyer. The Court found substance in her submissions and allowed her application and cancelled the bailable warrant. "Thakur appeared in court for cancellation of warrant. Considering the ill-health of Thakur and perusal of medical papers, it shows that she could not remain present on the scheduled dates. Considering aforesaid aspects, bailable warrant stands cancelled," the Court said in its order..Thakur also sought exemption from recording her statement today citing ill health. The court permitted the same as well."The medical certificate shows that she is having ill-health and doctor has advised her to take rest, that medication is going on. Thakur's lawyer urged that she is not in a position to sit, to walk and even to sign. I found substance in it as she appeared in the court with the help of supporting aid. Considering the aforesaid aspects, the application is allowed for today," the Court ordered.It directed Thakur to remain present before the Court on the next date of hearing on March 28.