The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has granted bail to nine individuals accused in the March 17 Nagpur violence, which was sparked by protests over Aurangzeb’s tomb. Justice Urmila Joshi‑Phalke emphasized that mob violence strikes at the heart of constitutional order, stating that no one has the right to take law into their own hands .

Accused: Nine men (including Mohammad Iqbal Ismail Ansari and others) charged under multiple laws such as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Arms Act, Maharashtra Defacement of Property Act, and Police Act . Court’s reasoning: Investigation complete, chargesheets filed, no further custodial interrogation needed, and no specific acts tied to individuals; identification delays further weakened the case . Bail conditions: Each accused to furnish ₹1 lakh bond with one solvent surety, report to police on the 1st and 15th of each month, avoid similar offences, refrain from influencing witnesses, and appear for trial . Court’s warning: Mob vigilantism and hate crimes must be stamped out to prevent a “reign of terror”

This decision marks a significant judicial stance against prolonged preventive detention, especially when the investigation is already completed.

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