Prosecutor row holds up Best trial, again

A special court adjourned the Best Bakery retrial for the third time as Gujarat and Maharashtra continue to bicker over the appointment of t...

A special court adjourned the Best Bakery retrial for the third time as Gujarat and Maharashtra continue to bicker over the appointment of the special public prosecutor.

Special judge A.P. Thipsay adjourned hearing till June 19 to allow time for Zaheera Sheikh’s counsel to seek clarification from the Supreme Court on the prosecuting agency in the case. If the parties fail to produce a directive from the SC on that day, the court said it would give a ruling on the issue.

Advocate P.R. Vakil, who was appointed prosecutor by Maharashtra, appeared for the state but did not reply to a question from the court if he was representing Maharashtra. ‘‘I cannot say that,’’ he said.

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Vakil sought clarification on the court’s June 21 order that Gujarat is the prosecuting agency. ‘‘Is it a prima facie observation or is it a finding?’’ Vakil asked. Thipsay said Gujarat Government is the prosecuting agency ‘‘but that is a prima facie observation’’.

Sheikh’s counsel Mihir Desai they have already approached the apex court and would get the directions by July 19.

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