The Delhi High Court quashed the FIR filed against Mohammad Tariq Rehman, whose bag contained a live round of ammunition during a baggage check at Indira Gandhi International Airport in 2021.
Justice Sanjeev Narula determined that Rehman was unaware of the cartridge in his luggage and concluded that he had inadvertently left it there.
However, the court imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on Rehman, acknowledging that he could have avoided the situation by exercising more caution.
While quashing the FIR, the court emphasized the importance of security agencies taking all such incidents seriously, regardless of the intent behind them.
Court’s Verdict On The Accused’s Knowledge
Justice Narula’s decision centered on the lack of intent behind the presence of the ammunition in Rehman’s bag. The accused had claimed that he found the round near his residence before unintentionally packing it.
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Rehman, who had been training in South Africa to become a commercial pilot, now holds a commercial aircraft pilot license.
Imposition Of Fine And Reflection On Security Protocols
Although the FIR was quashed, the court noted that Rehman’s oversight led to a breach of security protocols. In light of this, the court stated that the fine would serve the objectives of justice, particularly by underscoring the importance of heightened vigilance.
The court’s ruling underlined that while the criminal proceedings were a natural consequence of the lapse, the serious implications of such incidents require thorough attention and caution from all parties involved.
Security Agencies Urged To Remain Vigilant
The court concluded that this case should serve as a reminder to both individuals and security agencies about the need for careful handling of baggage.
While the intent behind Rehman’s actions was not malicious, the incident highlighted how lapses in security can have significant consequences.
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