Naroda Patiya riots: SC stays for two months special hearing of Maya Kodnani case

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed high court hearing of former Gujarat minister Maya Kodnani's appeal challenging her conviction in the Naroda Patiya communal carnage in 2002 in which 95 persons were killed.
A bench headed by Chief Justice H L Dattu stayed the hearing of appeal in the HC for two months after riot victims and court appointed-SIT complained against the HC's decision to grant out of turn expedite hearing to Kodnani's appeal.
Both SIT and victims said that there were 11 appeals connected to Naroda Patiya trial court judgment and all should be heard together.
In August 2012, a special court which had described Kodnani as "kingpin" in the Naroda Patiya massacre had convicted and sentenced her, Bajrang Dal leader Babu Bajrangi and 29 others to life imprisonment.
Sentenced to 28 years imprisonment, she was granted bail July 30, 2014 on medical grounds.
The three term legislator was made minister of state for women and child development in 2007 and had to resign after her arrest in Naroda Patiya case in March 2009.
The Naroda Patiya massacre had taken place in 2002 Gujarat riots following February 27, 2002, burning of a coach of Sabarmati Express at Godhra railway station.
(With inputs from PTI)