#Godhra: Gujarat HC commutes death sentences of 11 convicts to life imprisonment

The Gujarat High Court today commuted the death sentences awarded to eleven persons convicted for the burning of the Sabarmati Express train in Godhra to life imprisonment, according to news reports..In 2011, a Special SIT Court had convicted a total of 31 persons for their role in the incident that triggered widespread communal riots in the state. 20 of these were awarded life imprisonment, while 11 were sentenced to death. The court had also acquitted 63 others..The convictions and acquittals were subsequently challenged before the High Court, which has now upheld the same, only differing with SIT court in terms of the sentence for the 11 death row convicts..59 people were killed after the Sabarmati Express train was set ablaze back in 2002. This incident led to the most violent communal riots the country has witnessed in recent times..Last week, the High Court had given the clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and 60 others in connection with crimes committed during the post-Godhra riots, in a petition filed by Zakia Jafri. Justice Sonia Gokani, however, also stated that she could approach a higher court requesting further investigation..Copy of the judgment awaited. .Click here to download the Bar & Bench Android App.Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.