Supreme Court calls third-party bid to reopen Sohrabuddin case 'misconceived'

The Court also addressed an application for intervention filed by a third party seeking to be impleaded as a respondent and to challenge previous orders.

Who it concerns: Petitioner: Rubabuddin Shaikh; Respondents: The Central Bureau of Investigation & Ors.; Bench: Hon'ble The Chief Justice, Hon'ble Mr. Justice Joymalya Bagchi, Hon'ble Mrs. Justice V. Mohana.

What the court decided

• Delay in filing and refiling was condoned in IA No. 283229/2026 and IA No. 283231/2026.
• Notice was issued to respondent Nos. 1 to 23, returnable on 28.10.2026.
• Liberty was granted to the petitioner and private respondents to place translated copies of witness statements and other material documents on record.
• The application for intervention (IA No. 285335/2026) filed by Mr. Maniar Kalpesh Kumar was dismissed.
• The Court declined to interfere with the High Court's findings recorded in paragraph 43 of the impugned judgment.

Also in the document

• The Court characterized the intervention application as a 'misconceived attempt' to impede proceedings and reopen issues that had attained finality.
• The Court noted that a third-party intervenor has no locus standi to intervene in criminal proceedings instituted by the State.
• The Court observed that the order dated 30.12.2014 passed by the Special Judge (CBI) had never been assailed by the CBI or the family of the deceased-victims.