Bombay HC Quashes Rape-Murder Conviction, Death Sentence; Orders Retrial

• Bombay High Court set aside the conviction and death sentence of a man accused of rape and murder of a 7-year-old girl in 2017.
• The court ordered a fresh trial, citing that the accused was not represented by a lawyer during the earlier proceedings, violating his fundamental right to a fair trial.
• The special POCSO Act court at Nashik showed 'unnecessary hurry' in concluding the trial, compromising fair trial principles.
• The HC emphasized that while the offense was 'horrific and grave', justice cannot be achieved by denying fundamental rights.
• The lower court is instructed to conduct the retrial fairly for both accused and prosecution, to be concluded within ten months.