Supreme Court Issues Key Directions in Sohrabuddin Encounter Case

The Supreme Court has agreed to examine a plea challenging the acquittal of 22 accused in the Sohrabuddin Shaikh encounter case. The court issued notices to the CBI and all 22 acquitted persons. Among those acquitted were 21 police personnel from Gujarat, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh. On May 7, 2026, the Bombay High Court upheld the 2018 Special CBI Court verdict acquitting all 22 accused. Sohrabuddin’s brother subsequently challenged the order before the Supreme Court.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana said it would examine selected witness statements relevant to the acquittal. Justice Bagchi noted that 92 of the 210 prosecution witnesses had turned hostile during the trial, describing the issue as a matter requiring consideration while assessing whether the trial was fair and just. The Supreme Court has not yet reached a final conclusion on the acquittal and will examine the relevant material in the case.