Nanavati commission pushing for the decision on Gujarat riots

The Nanavati-Mehta judicial inquiry commission probing the 2002 riots cases, on Tuesday directed the state government to provide a list of incident in respect of which it wants to examine senior IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt, even as it turned down his plea to defer the proceedings till the Gujarat government provides him with the services of a legal counsel.

The panel set a deadline of 8 pm on Tuesday for the government to make available the list. Sanjiv bhatt had earlier in the proceedings on Tuesday asked the commission that in view of allegations made against him by the state government through the questions put to him, it would be proper if the panel directs the government to file an affidavit on it to enable him to respond suitably. S B Vakil, Government counsel, submitted that he had right to examine a witness appeared before the commission and put questions to prove that he is not a reliable witness.

The commission, after hearing the parties, said the state cannot be forced to file the affidavit. But directed the government to submit the list to be fair to Bhatt and to avoid unnecessary adjournments. Bhatt objected to the government counsel's questions on old cases against him and urged that an affidavit dwelling on them be filedsought the government to file an affidavit to which he would reply.

Hearing on this issue is kept for May 27. Bhatt told the commission that he would need legal assistance while he's been cross examined by the government. The probe panel however rejected his request. The commission told Bhatt to 'think and answer' the questions while denying his demand.

On Bhatt's request to have access to details of call data, control room messages, intelligence records etc., the probe panel asked him to give a specific list. The commission said it would consider the application if Bhatt gives specific dates for which he's seeking the data.