2002 Godhra train burning case: Gujarat HC reserves order on petition challening trial court’s order

On the other hand, the Supreme Court appointed-Special Investigation Team has moved before the court for confirmation of death sentence to 11 convicts and also challenged the acquittal of 63 accused. In one of the petitions, the SIT has sought enhancement of the sentence of 20 convicts.

All these petitions have been clubbed together and were heard by the division bench of Justices A S Dave and G R Udhwani. On Thursday, the arguments were concluded and the bench reserved its order. According to senior lawyer JM Panchal, who represents SIT in the case, the verdict is likely to be announced post summer vacation.

On February 27, 2002 coach number S-6 of Sabarmati Express train were torched by a mob at Godhra railway station in which 59 people, mostly karsevaks, were killed. A day later this incident triggered widespread communal riots in the state.