A special court in Gujarat is likely to hold Friday the hearing on terrorism charges against the accused in the 2002 train burning at Godhra.


The Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) special court here earlier heard the defence counsel and the public prosecutor arguing for and against a central government-appointed review committee's recommendation to revoke charges under the now defunct act against the 131 accused.

Counsel for the defence had approached the Gujarat High Court for a
clarification on the role of the public prosecutor.

POTA special court judge Sonia Gokani had Tuesday adjourned the matter to Friday
following a submission from the defence counsels.

The case relates to the burning of a coach of Sabarmati Express near Godhra
railway station, 140 km from here, Feb 27, 2002. The fire left 59 passengers dead and sparked statewide communal violence that left at least 1,000 people dead.

The Gujarat government has insisted the fire was a pre-planned mob attack
while the review committee found "no evidence of an act of terrorism".