Eral case: Court chides Solanki

The fast-track court of ASJ R.D. Thakar decided to take away the defence counsel’s right to cross-examine the witness. The order was later revoked, but only after Solanki showed up and apologised.

This was the third hearing — after hearings on May 9 and April 26 — when Solanki failed to appear for cross-examination. Sources said the court was angry at the delaying tactics.

‘‘The witness has been coming for every hearing, as also the accused and others associated with the case. Every time it had to be adjourned owing to the absence of defence counsel. This attracted the ire of the court on Monday,’’ said Godhra district government pleader Piyush Gandhi, when contacted.

Main witness Madina Sheikh deposed on March 3, 2005 and cross-examination was fixed for March 31, but adjourned to April 15, as Solanki sought time to study the case.

On Monday morning, the court was informed by Solanki’s junior staff that he was attending to a case in Dahod court and would be back for the second session. The case was adjourned till 3.30 pm, but Solanki did not turn up, which angered the court.

When contacted, Solanki said he was attending a court in Dahod and had sought the sitting for the second half. ‘‘I got a bit late in returning, and the court took the decision by 3.30 pm,’’ he said.

On earlier adjournments, Solanki said he had been unwell and there was no intention of delaying. ‘‘The next hearing is on June 13 and we would finish the cross-examination soon,’’ he said.

A mob had attacked a village, Eral, on March 3, 2002. Madina, who was hiding in a field, saw seven relatives, including two daughters, murdered and burnt. Three of the 41 accused in the case are in prison, while the Gujarat HC granted the rest bail.