The Hindu : National : Best Bakery re-trial from June 7

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Saturday, Jun 05, 2004

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Best Bakery re-trial from June 7

By Our Special Correspondent

MUMBAI, JUNE 4. The Best Bakery case, which has been moved from Gujarat to Maharashtra for re-trial following the April 12 Supreme Court order, has been placed on board for June 7 at the Sessions Court at Sewri here.

The Additional Sessions Judge, Abhay Thipsay, has been appointed by the Bombay High Court to conduct the re-trial. P.A. Kamat, registrar in-charge for the Sewri Sessions Court, said that telegrams had been sent to the Chief Secretary of Gujarat as well as other departments about this. According to the Supreme Court's order, the re-trial should be taken up on a day-to-day basis, and completed by the end of December 2004. The 21 accused would have to be produced in the court as well. However, the public prosecutor for the re-trial is yet to be appointed.

Teesta Setalvad, Secretary of Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP), who had filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court resulting in the order for a re-trial, said: "Consultations are on with the Gujarat Government regarding the appointment of the public prosecutor and they have been very positive. A decision could be taken in the next couple of days."

The Supreme Court order, passed by Justice Doraiswamy Raju and Arijit Pasayat, said that Gujarat had to ensure that witnesses were produced before the court so that they could depose freely and without any apprehension of threat or coercion. In case, a witness asks for protection, Maharashtra shall provide it, in addition to the protection provided by Gujarat. All expenses for the trial shall be borne by Maharashtra, to be reimbursed by Gujarat.

The Supreme Court had directed the Director-General of Police, Gujarat, to monitor the reinvestigation, if any, to be taken up with urgency and utmost sincerity, as the circumstances warrant.

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