The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the execution of Ahmed Bawa Abubakar Barelvi, a death-row convict in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts case. The court also issued notice to the Gujarat government on his plea challenging the Gujarat High Court judgment that upheld his conviction and death sentence.Key HighlightsSupreme Court stayed Ahmed Barelvi’s execution on October 1, 2026.Barelvi is one of 38 convicts sentenced to death in the case.The 2008 Ahmedabad blasts killed 56 people and injured more than 200.The Supreme Court has sought a response from the Gujarat government.Why Did the Supreme Court Stop the Execution?A bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Augustine George Masih and Sandeep Mehta heard Barelvi’s plea on Thursday.His lawyers challenged the Gujarat High Court judgment that upheld his conviction and death sentence. During the hearing, Barelvi’s counsel argued that his conviction was based on allegations of conspiracy.The Supreme Court took note of the submissions and ordered that his execution be stayed while the case is heard further. The court also issued notice to the Gujarat government and called for the trial court records.“Alright, execution of the sentence will be stayed.”The order means Barelvi will not be executed while his challenge is pending before the Supreme Court. It does not cancel his conviction or death sentence at this stage.What Happened in the 2008 Ahmedabad Blasts?The Ahmedabad serial blasts case relates to a series of bomb explosions in Ahmedabad on July 26, 2008.The blasts took place at several locations across the city within about 70 minutes. Hospitals were also among the places targeted. Fifty-six people were killed and more than 200 were injured.The investigation involved several connected cases. A total of 77 people faced trial.What Punishment Was Given?In February 2022, a special court convicted 49 accused. It awarded the death penalty to 38 convicts and life imprisonment to 11 others. Twenty-eight people were acquitted."The 38 death sentences were later challenged before the Gujarat High Court."On July 7, 2026, the Gujarat High Court upheld the convictions and death sentences of all 38 death-row convicts. The court cited the scale of the attacks, the number of deaths and the wider conspiracy while confirming the punishment.What Happens Next?Ahmed Barelvi has now approached the Supreme Court against the Gujarat High Court decision. The Supreme Court has stayed his execution and asked the Gujarat government to respond.The case will continue before the Supreme Court. The court will examine Barelvi’s legal challenge before deciding the next steps. The stay only pauses the execution and does not amount to an acquittal.
