Narendra Modi govt failed to stop 2002 riots

The Gujarat high court on Wednesday harshly criticised the Narendra Modi government and the state police for failing to maintain law and order during the 2002 post Godhra riots.

The court questioned the government and the state police that why they failed to stop the riots.

"The government failed, showed inaction and was negligent during the carnage and there was inaction on part of the police," the court said.

A division bench of acting chief Justice Bhaskar Bhattacharya and Justice J B Pardiwala made these observations while hearing the PIL filed by Islamic Relief Committee of Gujarat.

Upholding the plea, the court further directed the Narendra Modi government to fund the reconstruction and repair of over 500 religious structures which were damaged, partially or fully, during the riots.

"Inadequacy, inaction and negligence on the part of the state government to prevent riots resulted in large-scale destruction of religious structures across the state," the court observed.

The court dismissed the state government\\\’s stand that there was no policy with regards to compensation to any religious structures damaged or destroyed during the riots.

"When you paid compensation for destruction of houses and commercial establishments, then how can you not pay for the reconstruction of buildings that were damaged during the riots," the bench stated.

All the principal judges of 26 districts were directed to accept applications from aggrieved parties and process the claims within six months to the High court for a decision.

Calling it landmark, the social activists and groups seeking justice for the victims of Gujarat communal riots have hailed the decision.