Delhi High Court Dismisses Sachin Waze's Plea Against UAPA Sanction In Antilia Bomb Scare Case

The Delhi High Court on Friday dismissed the plea moved by former Mumbai police officer Sachin Waze for quashing of the prosecution sanction granted under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) against him in connection with Antilia bomb scare case.

A division of Justice Mukta Gupta and Justice Anish Dayal pronounced the order and said the plea is dismissed for lack of territorial jurisdiction.

A copy of the judgement is awaited.

The plea had sought striking down of Section 15(1) of the UAPA which defines the 'terrorist act' under the law, by arguing that the provision is ultra vires of Article 14 and 21.

It also had prayed for quashing of the sanction order of September 2, 2021 passed by the Central Government.

Background

The case pertains to the recovery of 20 gelatine sticks (explosives) and a threat note in a Mahindra Scorpio vehicle near business tycoon Mukesh Ambani's house last year and the subsequent murder of businessman Mansukh Hiran.

Waze was arrested in the case on March 13. The National Investigation Agency (NIA), Waze has also accused Waze of extorting money from bar and orchestra owners. The agency further claimed that the motive behind Waze's alleged crime was to re-establish himself as a "super cop" to regain the lost glory following his reinstatement in the Mumbai Police force in 2020, after 16 years.

The NIA has accused Waze and 9 others under Sections 302(murder), 120B (conspiracy), 201 (destruction of evidence), 364 (kidnapping), 403 (dishonest misappropriation of property) of the IPC and Sections 16 (punishment for a terrorist Act), 18(punishment for conspiracy) & 20 (punishment for being a member of a terrorist gang) of UAPA.