A powerful bomb left in a briefcase outside the High Court in New Delhi has killed at least 11 people and injured more than 70.
The blast prompted the Indian government to put the capital on high alert, a senior official said.
Home Secretary RK Singh said the explosives were in a briefcase at the High Court reception in central New Delhi where hundreds of people come through every day to attend court cases.
Indian authorities said the Harkat-ul-Jihad Islami (HUJI) militant group, with bases in Bangladesh and Pakistan, has sent an email claiming responsibility.
Television footage showed dozens of lawyers in black coats running from one of the main gates of the building.
Police cordoned off the area, which is not far from parliament and the prime minister's office.
"This appears to be a bomb explosion and it is at least a medium-intensity bomb. The site has been fully secured and Delhi has been put on high alert. Whatever precautions need to be taken are being taken," said UK Bansal, in charge of internal security at the home ministry.
The blast in the heart of the capital will renew concern about the authorities' ability to prevent attacks, particularly in high-security areas.
