Godhra Train Burning Case Convicts Not Eligible for Premature Release: Gujarat Govt to SC

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench that the state would be pressing for the case to be considered as "rarest of rare" considering the severity of the crime.

The burnt Sabarmati Express. Photo: Reuters

2 hours ago

New Delhi: The Gujarat government on Monday (February 20) told the Supreme Court that people convicted in the Godhra train burning case were not eligible for early release under the state’s policy. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, according to LiveLaw, told the bench that the state would be pressing for the case to be considered as “rarest of rare” considering the severity of the crime.

The court was hearing bail applications filed by the convicts. The bench of Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, Justice P.S. Narasimha and Justice J.B. Pardiwala asked for details of the applicants, including their age and how long they had been in jail. “Can the advocates on record appearing on behalf of petitioner and State counsel can sit together can prepare one consolidated chart and prepare for our convenience? … Let us have the comprehensive chart … If the chart shows that how much prison time served, offences against them, the age etc.,” Bar and Bench quoted the court as saying.

Mehta, according to LiveLaw, wanted to detail the state’s version of events before the court, with the allegations against each convict. “59 people were burnt alive.. including ladies and children. The train bogey was locked outside so that they cannot come outside … Regarding commuting death to life.. this is a rarest of rare case and is fit for death sentence,” Mehta said.

“So under the premature release policy of State of Gujarat, will they be released?” CJI Chandrachud asked. Mehta replied that the convicts did not qualify because of charges under under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act.