Tags:
Journalism of Courage
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICEMUMBAI, November 21: The army has taken strong exception to the Srikrishna Commission for demanding from it certain documents detailing its movements during the communal riots in Mumbai in 1992-93. However, Justice Srikrishna insisted that the documents be produced before the commission as it comes under the terms of reference of the inquiry commission.
The counsel for army B R Dhaiwala said the commission8217;s demand goes beyond its jurisdiction, hence it is not binding on the army to submit the documents. The counsel argued that by seeking the documents the commission is enlarging its scope of reference. He also said since the commission was appointed by the state government, the army was not bound to it.
Counsels from different sides objected to the army8217;s contention. Rana, the counsel appearing for the commission, said the documents lie well within the commission8217;s ambit. The counsel argued since the army was helping the state police in combating communal riots, it ought to give details related to incidents in which it was also involved. Counsel Manjula Rao said some documents sought by the judge are in the custody of the state government. If that is the case, the state government is bound to produce it before the commission. The judge told Express Newsline nothing has been decided yet, and the hearing is on. The judge adjourned today8217;s case to Wednesday.
