Naroda Patiya:
For seven long years, the families of those who were massacred in the Gujarat riots had just one question on their minds -- will there ever be justice?
Now, in a move welcomed by many the Supreme Court has ordered the retrial of 14 Gujarat riot cases by special fast-track courts. Though the hearings will not be taken out of Gujarat, they will be monitored by the Special Investigating Team (SIT), which has been given significant powers.
Several riot victims like Mohammad Shafi and Dilawar, who saw their friends and family being killed and brutally beaten to death, have been fighting for justice for seven long years.
"Even today we are scared to depose before the court. Those who have been arrested like Jaidep Patel and Maya Kodnani have not confessed to anything. And they too will be let off soon," said Dilawar.
But after the SC decision, they are hoping this time around it will be different. Similar sentiments are echoed by Zakiya Jafri, the widow of ex-Congress MP Ehsaan Jafri, who died in the riots.
"I am happy with the Supreme Court's order. This case has been pending for 7-8 years. Today, I am very happy," Zakiya said.
In the landmark judgment, the Supreme Court has ordered that riots cases be tried daily in six special and fast-track courts across Gujarat. It also asked the Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court to appoint criminal lawyers as public prosecutors.
The court also said that SIT chief can ask for a change in public prosecutors if they are found lacking and it will ensure protection for the witnesses. The court has asked the SIT to monitor the cases and file a quarterly report.
The apex court also gave liberty to the SIT to recommend the cancellation of bail if it is considered necessary. However, it refused to move the riot cases out of Gujarat.
The ink on the order had barely dried, and outside the politics was already taking over with each side claiming moral victory.
"The verdict has vindicated our stand that it is not at all true that the process of judiciary in the state can be tampered with. It has endorsed the independent capabilities of our judicial and administrative set up," Gujarat Health Minister Jaynarayan Vyas said.
The Congress to reacted to the judgment with party spokesperson Shankarsinha Vaghela saying, "The Supreme Court set up the SIT to keep up pressure on the Gujarat government."
Both the Congress and BJP are tying to gain political mileage from the apex court's decision. But hope the court order would help in speedy trial of the riot cases.