The Gujarat BJP has welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court, which today lifted the stay on trial of 2002 Gujarat riots cases and directed the setting up of fast track courts for holding it on a day-to-day basis.
"We welcome the Supreme Court decision. The Supreme Court has shown faith in the Government of Gujarat by not transferring the case outside the state. This is a slap on the face of those who were against Gujarat," state BJP president Purshottam Rupala said.
Social activists Teesta Setalwad representing riot victims said, "This was a huge victory for the riot victims as the trials will be conducted under the supervision of Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT)."
"SIT will appoint the public prosecutor and it will be responsible for the protection of witness. SIT will also monitor the case and submit quaterly reports to the apex Court. As SIT is an indepndent agency we hope that riot victims will get justice," Setalwad, who runs an NGO called Citizen for Peace and Justice said.
The apex Court today ordered the setting up of designated courts for riot cases in Ahmedabad, Anand, Sabarkanta, Mehsana and Gulbarga districts.