India, May 9 -- Nearly 17 years after a bomb blast killed six people and injured over 100 in Malegaon, a special court designated under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is expected to deliver its verdict in the case on July 31.

On Thursday, special judge A K Lahoti directed all seven accused to remain present in court on that day. Citing the voluminous nature of the case record, the judge said he required additional time to finalise the judgement.

The trial concluded on April 19 this year after the prosecution and defence submitted their final written arguments. Judge Lahoti, who has since been transferred out of Mumbai, was granted an extension until August 31 solely to pronounce the verdict.

The blast took place on September 2...