Gujarat Government tells Supreme Court: Convicts in Godhra train burning case not eligible for premature release

Today, the Supreme Court bench addressed the bail applications of the convicts in the Godhra train burning case. While hearing the case, the Gujarat government informed that the convicts in the 2002 Godhra case could not be considered for premature release as convicts were charged under the provisions of the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA). The case was presented before the Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud including other judges namely, Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice PS Narasimha.

During the case hearing, the Solicitor general of India Tushar Mehta (appearing for the State of Gujarat) stated that considering the severity of the crime, the case was to be considered “rarest of rare” crime by the State and premature release of the convicts was rejected. He also added, “This is the case where 59 people were burnt alive. It is consistent that the bogey was locked from outside. The 59 people who died included ladies and children.” In this context, the CJI highlighted the bail already granted to the convicts. One of the convicts was granted interim bail on May 13, 2022, for six months on medical grounds whereas it was further extended till 31 March 2023. Another convict, Farook, was granted bail on December 15, 2022.

On 27 February 2002, the S-6 coach of the Sabarmati Express was set on fire which was carrying Kar sevaks from Ayodhya causing large-scale communal riots within the state. It was identified that the Trial Court convicted 31 accused in March 2011 verdict and 63 were acquitted. Further, of the 31 convicts, 20 were awarded life imprisonment and 11 were handed the death penalty. On Monday, the case was considered by the Supreme Court and listed for hearing after three weeks.