Brother of Sohrabuddin Sheikh Challenges CBI Court Acquittal

The brother of Sohrabuddin Sheikh, who was allegedly killed in a staged encounter involving the Gujarat Police, has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court challenging the December 2018 acquittal order issued by a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court. Rubabuddin Sheikh submitted the petition on September 24, 2025, seeking to contest the previous ruling that led to the acquittal of 22 accused individuals.

The hearing took place before a bench consisting of Chief Justice Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Akhand. During the proceedings, the bench inquired about the reasons for the delayed challenge to the verdict. The petitioner’s lawyer explained that 118 testimonies presented during the trial were allegedly disregarded, raising concerns over the integrity of the initial ruling.

In response, the bench noted that witness statements are signed at the time of recording. In instances where a witness believes their statement is inaccurate, they are expected to file an application on the same day. The court directed Rubabuddin Sheikh to review the relevant legal provisions and prepare a comprehensive chart of witnesses, stating that a response is required within two weeks.

The Sohrabuddin Sheikh case has remained contentious since the CBI court’s ruling, which determined that the alleged offenses committed by the accused were within the scope of their official duties. The court further stated that even if the accused acted beyond their official mandates, they are protected under Section 197 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), which governs the prosecution of judges and public servants.

Rubabuddin Sheikh has expressed dissatisfaction with the initial verdict, highlighting that the CBI had identified “many loose ends” in their investigation. The outcome of this latest legal challenge will be closely monitored, given the implications it holds for accountability in cases involving law enforcement agencies.