Summons to CM: Gujarat HC directs JSM to move Nanavati panel

The Gujarat high court has asked the Jan Sangharsh Manch (JSM) to move the Nanavati commission probing the 2002 riot cases with regard to the petition filed by it.

The petition sought quashing of the commission's order earlier and issuance of summons to chief minister Narendra Modi and three others for cross-examination in connection with the riots.

The high court also observed that the commission should decide on the plea of JSM. The Nanavati Commission in September last year disposed off JSM's plea to summon Modi and three others including former home minister Gordhan Zadafia, minister Ashok Bhat and DCP RJ Savani.

The commission had observed that the allegations made by JSM that Modi government had aided and abetted the 2002 riots were based on wrong assumptions.

JSM then approached the Gujarat high court where a single bench dismissed the petition on the ground that the commission has not completed its enquiry in the matter yet. The bench also cited the ground that the commission still had powers to investigate to summon Modi under the Commissions of Inquiry Act.

JSM then moved a division bench on the issue. During proceedings in the case, the bench also asked the government to furnish a status report on Nanavati commission. The Gujarat high court passed the aforesaid direction today.

It should be noted that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Supreme Court to probe the 2002 post-Godhra riot cases called chief minister Modi and questioned him for at least nine hours in connection with the post-Godhra riot cases.