Godhra case: SIT may appeal against acquittal of Umarji, 62 others

The Supreme Court appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) is likely to file appeal before the Gujarat high court against acquittal of the 63 accused including Maulana Hussai Umarji, Mohamad Hussain Kalota and others in the Sabarmati Express train carnage case.

The special judge PR Patel had acquitted 63 accused while holding guilty 31 in the case on February 19.

The counsels of the accused had welcomed the decision of acquittal and decided to file appeal for 31 guilty accused. However, it seems the prosecution is also determined to file appeal as 2/3 of the accused were acquitted.

A top official of SIT said, "We have decided to file appeal before the high court against the acquittal of the accused." However, the official added, it is a routine process and we will follow it."

The official further said, "First we will wait for the final judgment of the court and after studying the judgment we will make a decision whether to file appeal." It is also possible that the SC-SIT could first take legal advice from its advisor and senior counsel, KG Menon or also act on directions from the Supreme Court.

"The SC-SIT is working under directons of the SC and it can place a judgment and seek further course of action in the case," said a source connected with the development. JM Panchal, special public prosecutor of the case, said, "I have done my work and decision to file appeal or not is the SC-SIT prerogative."