Supreme Court to Hear Gujarat Government Appeals in 2002 Godhra Case on January 15

The Supreme Court will hear appeals from the Gujarat government and several convicts in the 2002 Godhra train burning case on January 15. The case involves the 2002 burning of the Sabarmati Express in Godhra, which killed 59 people and triggered riots. The Gujarat government seeks the death penalty for 11 convicts whose sentences were commuted to life imprisonment by the high court.

The Supreme Court announced on Thursday that it will hear appeals from the Gujarat government and multiple convicts related to the 2002 Godhra train burning case on January 15.

Justices J K Maheshwari and Rajesh Bindal emphasized that no adjournments will be permitted on the next hearing date. On February 27, 2002, 59 individuals were killed when the S-6 coach of the Sabarmati Express was set on fire in Godhra, sparking statewide riots.

The Gujarat High Court's 2017 verdict upholding convictions and commuting death penalties of 11 convicts to life terms has been challenged. The Gujarat government had sought the reinstatement of death penalties for these individuals. Several convicts have also filed appeals against the high court's decision. The bench noted that understanding individual cases and the prosecution's arguments could take three days of hearings.

(With inputs from agencies.)