Mumbai court to try Hafiz Saeed in absentia under BNSS
Mumbai is gearing up for a landmark trial, as a Mumbai court is expected to try Hafiz Saeed in absentia, founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba and for his alleged role in the 26/11 terror attacks in the city, even though he is not in India.
Thanks to Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), courts can now move ahead with cases against fugitives who keep dodging justice.
Five Pakistani nationals charged at large
Saeed is not alone; five other Pakistani nationals are also charged but remain out of reach.
The BNSS requires courts to issue arrest warrants, public notices, and wait 90 days before starting a trial without the accused.
Legal experts say this updated law balances fairness with efficiency: absentees get state-appointed legal aid, so rights are protected even if they are not present.