Panel: Gordhan Zadafia wasn’t quizzed as witness in Gujarat riots

The Nanavati commission investigating the communal riots of 2002 clarified before a bench of the Gujarat high court on Tuesday that it had questioned former Gujarat home minister of state Gordhan Zadafia not as a witness.

The probe panel further said that it might call him again in the future.

The commission's reply means that the Jan Sangharsh Manch (JSM), the civil rights organisation representing the riot victims, cannot demand Zadafia's cross-examination before the commission.

The commission submitted its reply before the bench of chief justice SJ Mukhopadhya in response to a petition filed by JSM seeking cross-examination of chief minister Narendra Modi, Zadafia and others.

On November 19 this year, the Nanavati commission had questioned Zadafia regarding the riots but the whole proceeding had taken place in-camera without the JSM or the government lawyer being present during the proceedings.

Later, during the hearing on Zadafia's questioning in the high court, the lawyer Mukul Sinha of the JSM had sought clarification from the Nanavati commission in the matter.

During the hearing on Tuesday, chief government pleader PK Jani handed over the commission's reply in sealed cover along with the statement of Gordhan Zadafia. The high court posted the case for next hearing to January 24.

In its reply, the commission has clearly stated that Zadafia was not questioned as a witness. The commission has the right to question persons and seek evidence on its own, the probe panel stated, adding that it could call Zadafia again in the future.

The JSM had filed the petition after its plea seeking cross-examination of Modi and others was turned down by the Nanavati commission. The probe panel is headed by retired justices GT Nanavati and Akshay Mehta.