Patna High Court Sets Aside Death Penalty In Arrah Blast Case; Grants Relief To Accused

The Patna High Court delivered a significant ruling in the Arrah Civil Court blast case, granting substantial relief to Lambu Sharma and other accused. The court set aside the death penalty awarded to Lambu Sharma, thereby altering his sentencing outcome.

A Division Bench led by Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo pronounced the verdict.

The Bench had earlier reserved its decision on February 12, 2026, after concluding hearings on appeals filed against the trial court’s judgment.

While granting relief on the capital punishment, the court upheld the conviction of Lambu Sharma and Akhilesh Upadhyay for charges related to escape from custody.

Simultaneously, the Bench quashed life imprisonment sentences imposed on several other accused, including Rinku Yadav, Pramod Singh, Shyam Vinay Sharma, Chand Miyan, Naim Miyan, and Anshu Kumar, acquitting them of associated charges.

During proceedings, the court directed the state government to ensure the virtual presence of all accused, as they remained lodged in different correctional facilities. It also instructed the District Legal Services Authority to provide legal assistance to inform them about ongoing hearings.

The case dates back to January 23, 2015, when a suicide bomber triggered an explosion inside the Arrah Civil Court premises. The blast resulted in three deaths, including the attacker, and left several individuals injured.

Authorities alleged that the attack aimed to facilitate Lambu Sharma’s escape, which he executed during the chaos with accomplices.

Previously, Additional District and Sessions Judge Tribhuvan Yadav had awarded the death sentence to Lambu Sharma in 2019 under provisions of the IPC and the Explosives Act, alongside financial penalties.

The other accused had received life imprisonment and fines. The High Court’s ruling significantly reshapes the legal trajectory of the case.

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