Sohrabuddin case: Gujarat's response on shifting trial sought

The Supreme Court today sought the Gujarat government's response on the CBI's plea to transfer outside the state the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case in which former state home minister Amit Shah and senior police officers are accused.

While seeking response, a bench of Justice Aftab Alam and Justice RM Lodha issued notices to the state and 19 others, including various accused police officers.

Senior counsel KTS Tulsi, appearing for the agency, had made the plea before the bench.

After issuing notices, the court posted the matter for further hearing to January 27.

The CBI has sought transfer of the trial outside the state on the ground that the case involved Gujarat's former home minister and several senior police officer having considerable influence in the state and that it had vitiated the atmosphere for a free and fair trial.