Read Time: 04 minutes
The Gujarat Government had opposed the grant of bail to some life convicts in the Godhra train carnage cases stating that their role was not restricted to mere stone pelting but more heinous crimes
The Supreme Court on Thursday granted bail to Farook, a life convict in the Godhra train burning case of 2002 in which 59 Hindu pilgrims returning from Ayodhya were burnt alive
A bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud stated that Farook had already served 17 years of his sentence and that his bail shall be granted.
Earlier this month, the Gujarat Government represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had opposed the grant of bail to some life convicts serving life sentence stating that they were not mere stone pelters but their actions had prevented persons who were trapped inside the burning train from escaping.
The top court had then sought the individual roles to be stipulated of each other convicts, adding that they had already spent 17-18 years in jail.
Last month, the top court had extended bail to Abdul Raheman Abdul Majid, a convicted co-conspirator who carried out the Godhra Carnage in 2002 and was sentenced to life imprisonment.
A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justices Hima Kohli & JB Pardiwala had then said that the bail shall be extended on earlier ground vide an order dated May 13, 2022, of his wife being terminally ill and child being specially abled. The bail order was extended till March 31, 2023.
Farook’s appeal against the Gujarat High Court order of October 9, 2017 upholding his conviction had been challenged before Supreme Court and is pending adjudication.
While sentencing Farook along with other accused persons who were stone pelters, the Gujarat High Court takes note of the fact that the obstruction was carried out so that the fire in which Kar Sevaks were conspired to be killed continued.
The 2002 Godhra Carnage conspiracy led to the coach No.S6 of Sabarmati Express being fully burnt and coach No.S5 and S7 being affected by flames and stone pelting, killing 59 Hindu pilgrims.
Further, the High Court noted that railways property was intentionally caused damage of Rs.17,62,475/ and caused damage to the baggage of the passengers.
Case Title:
Case Title: Abdul Raheman Abdul Majid Vs. State of Gujarat and connected cases
Please Login or Register
