The Kerala High Court has granted bail to M K Nasar, the main conspirator in the infamous 2010 college professor hand chopping case. Nasar, who was sentenced to life imprisonment by a special NIA court last year, received bail while his appeal is still under consideration by the High Court.
A bench consisting of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan and P V Balakrishnan decided to suspend Nasar’s sentence, citing the extensive duration he has already spent in incarceration—over nine years—and the discrepancy in sentencing compared to other accused who have already served their terms. This decision was influenced by the complexities surrounding ongoing separate appeals and the likelihood of procedural delays.
The 2010 case involves the brutal attack on T J Joseph, a professor at Newman College in Thodupuzha, whose right hand was severed by activists allegedly linked to the Popular Front of India (PFI). The attack was reportedly motivated by the content of an examination question paper Joseph set, which the attackers found derogatory to their religious beliefs. The incident occurred as Joseph was returning home from church with his family in Muvattupuzha, Ernakulam.
The High Court has imposed strict conditions on Nasar’s bail, including a bond of Rs one lakh and the requirement for two solvent sureties of the same amount. Additionally, Nasar is restricted from leaving the country without court permission, interfering with ongoing trials, influencing witnesses, or committing similar offenses while on bail.
Nasar’s conviction includes charges under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), attempted murder, and conspiracy, among other offenses. His case was part of a broader trial that has seen several phases, with a total of 37 people named in the chargesheet. During the initial trial phases, the court examined extensive evidence and testimony before issuing its verdicts.
