The Supreme Court of India has overturned the conviction and death sentence of Abdul Hameed, accused in the 1996 Samleti bus blast case that killed 14 people.The court emphasized that legal fairness, not punishment severity, determines judicial legitimacy.It found that the accused lacked proper legal aid during trial proceedings.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sanjay Karol, and Sandeep Mehta mandated a fresh trial, stressing that legal representation, presumption of innocence, and evidence scrutiny are fundamental rights.The court requested a special court in Jaipur to conduct the retrial within a year, ensuring competent legal aid for the accused.The ruling highlights the importance of procedural justice over public opinion, even in high-profile cases.The decision underscores constitutional values and the necessity of adhering to legal standards despite public outcry.