SC extends Maudany's bail for two weeks

The Supreme Court Monday extended by two weeks on health grounds the bail to Abdul Nazir Maudany, the prime accused in the 2008 Bangalore serial bomb blast conspiracy, and leader of Kerala's People's Democratic Party (PDP).

The bench of Justice J. Chelameswar and Justice A.K. Sikri also allowed the Karnataka government to file its repose to Maudany's plea in a week's time as it directed the next hearing for Aug 22.

The court said that during the extended two weeks, the terms and conditions of bail granted July 11 would remain the same.

Counsel Prashant Bhushan, appearing for Maudany, sought extension of bail as the hospital that is treating the PDP leader has said he would require two months' treatment for his condition to become stable before he could undergo eye surgery.

The court July 11 had granted Maudany bail while taking note that he was an under-trial prisoner who was already behind bars for the last four years and was suffering from various ailments, including diabetes and vision-threatening ailment in both eyes.

Maudany was arrested Aug 17, 2010, in connection with the Bangalore bomb blast. He had earlier undergone nine year incarceration in the 1998 Coimbatore bomb blast case in which he was finally acquitted.