Case can be re-opened: Govt

Government today did not rule out re-investigation into the Jessica Lal murder case after members in both Houses of Parliament made a vociferous demand for retrial, and expressing concern over the acquittal of all the nine accused in the sensational case.
8220;As the law exists today, no person should be tried twice in any case8230;Supreme Court has ordered reinvestigation in some cases and it has become a kind of law also for us. It can be followed,8221; Home Minister Shivraj Patil told the Rajya Sabha during the Zero Hour responding to the agitated members.
8220;The matter of this kind is taken up and very rightly taken up on the floor of the House,8221; he said, adding, instead of blaming anybody 8220;we should go to the very root and find out who is really responsible and whatever8221; in the case.
He was responding to the demand of agitated members led by CPI-M member Brinda Karat, who wanted to know if the Home Minister would order a time-bound re-investigation into this case and punishment to all the police and other officials involved. She said it has become a 8220;symbol of injustice8221; and there is national outrage.
8220;Whatever is possible as per law to see that justice should be done will be done. Let there be no doubt,8221; Home Minister Shivraj Patil said.
Noting that the Delhi High Court has suo motu taken cognisance of the matter, he said the court has asked police to look into it.
Patil said 8220;we would certainly like to see that justice is done in the matter. Whatever is possible, as per the law, will be done by the government. Let there be no doubt about it.8221;
Observing that the Delhi Police would give its report as per the High Court order, Patil said 8220;whatever can be done in this matter as per the ruling given by the Supreme Court or as per the decision given by the High Court or as per the existing law, we will certainly do it8221;.
On protecting the witnesses, Patil said the proposed Communal Harmony Bill has specific provisions to provide protection to the witnesses and the government was keen that such provision was incorporated into the criminal procedure code also.
In the Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister P R Dasmunsi told members that the concern of the House wouldnbsp; be communicated to the Home Minister and 8220;accordingly, we shall act8221;.
Dasmunsi stated this after members said the acquittal was a 8220;glaring example of miscarriage of justice8230; justice is being denied in the capital of the country8221;.
They also wanted government to stop the elevation of the sessions judge, who had delivered the verdict, to the High Court.