The Gujarat high court here on Wednesday questioned the state government on the nature of deposition of former minister Gordhan Jhadapia before the Justice G.T. Nanavati-Akshay Mehta Commission probing the 2002 communal riots.
The bench comprising Chief Justice S.J. Mukhopadhaya and Justice Akil Kureshi passed a written order directing the state government to clarify about the former minister’s deposition before the state-appointed Commission. During the hearing, advocate-general Kamal Trivedi informed the court that he was not aware under what provisions the Commission had summoned the former minister, whose statement was recorded in-camera on November 19, this year and remains confidential. After his submission, the court passed the written order. The court sought to know whether Mr Jhadapia was summoned by the Commission as a witness or a person against whom it had found some material. It may be noted that the apex court appointed special investigation team (SIT) in its report on the post-Godhra riots had indicted Mr Jhadaphia and some police officials for their role during the riots. Under the provisions of the Commission of Enquiries Act, the probe panel can call a person for deposition if it finds some material against him or her and seek a clarification.
Advocate Mukul Sinha, appearing for NGO Jan Sangharsh Manch, submitted that they had a right to know the nature of Mr Jhadapia’s deposition.