High Court rejects plea for summoning Narendra Modi in 2012 riots cases

AHMEDABAD/NEW DELHI: In a relief to Narendra Modi, the Gujarat High Court on Wednesday rejected a petition seeking directions to the Nanavati Commission to summon the chief minister for interrogation in connection with the 2002 riots.

A division bench of Justice Akil Kureshi and Sonia Gokani said the court did not find any substance in the application seeking directions for summoning Modi. "The commission has larger discretionary powers to call witnesses," the judges observed.

NGO Jan Sangarsh Manch, representing some riot victims, had approached the high court to direct the Commission to call Modi after the Commission of Justice G T Nanavati and Justice Akshay Mehta, probing the 2002 riot cases rejected its plea on the matter.

JSM submitted that Modi should be summoned by the commission as the role of the chief minister falls within the ambit of the probe panel's inquiry.

It will now approach the Supreme Court.