Former BJP MLA questions SIT probe in Gujarat riot case

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court will consider whether it should review its decision to order a probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on the role of Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi and 62 others in the Gulbarga society carnage of 2002.

One of the accused, and a former BJP MLA, Kalubhai Marwari on Monday moved an application in the Supreme Court, seeking recall of the apex court’s directions. Eminent criminal lawyer Ram Jethmalani moved the plea on behalf of the MLA in the apex court.

Anti-Narendra Modi sections claimed that it could be part of an attempt by the chief minister to question the role of SIT. The Supreme Court-appointed SIT has summoned Mr Modi for questioning on the Gulbarg Society carnage, where over 60 people were killed in February 2002.

A three-judge bench headed by Justice D K Jain asked the trial court in Ahmedabad to defer its hearing in the Gulbarga society case.

The order to this effect was passed in view of a petition filed in Gujarat high court seeking transfer of the case to another trial court judge.

Solicitor-General Gopal Subramanium and amicus curiae Harish Salve informed the bench that special public prosecutor R K Shah has tended his resignation making certain allegations against the presiding officer (Judge) and SIT.