A batch of 11 petitions from 2002-2003 seeking intervention in the post-Godhra riots cases in Gujarat was disposed of by the Supreme Court on Tuesday. Considering the subsequent developments in the matter, the top court said these pleas have become "infructuous".
The bench comprising Chief Justice of India U U Lalit, Justice S Ravindra Bhat, and Justice J B Pardiwala noted that the counsel appearing for petitioners have also accepted that the matters have now become infructuous. They agree that the only matter requiring consideration is the plea for the restoration of protection to Mumbai-based activist Teesta Setalvad.
The top court said the main request in the plea was to transfer the investigation to the CBI. The Gujarat High Court denied the demand. The court had set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate and prosecute nine major trials.
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi representing the SIT said eight out of these nine cases were concluded by trial courts. Only the Naroda Gaon case is pending and it is in the final stage of arguments, reported The Indian Express.
The bench directed the trial in the Naroda Gaon case should be completed in accordance with the law and the SIT should take the appropriate steps to make it happen.