The division bench of Justices Mohinder Pal and R D Kothari is hearing the appeals filed in the case related to violence in Naroda Patia here on February 28, 2002 (a day after the Godhra train burning incident) in which over 90 people were killed.
Special Public Prosecutor for SIT, Prashant Desai, made a submission about roles of various convicts and the accounts of witnesses against them.
Justice Pal asked the lawyers if any of the police officers were charged for failing in their duty. Senior advocate Nirupam Nanavati, appearing for defence, said there was a plea before the special trial court but it was rejected.
"The bandh call had been given to mourn or to protest the incident of 27th. Since the sentiments were charged, bandh call was resisted by 'A' community, while 'B' community wanted to observe the bandh," Nanavati said.
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The arguments will continue on August 4.
While the convicts have challenged the trial court's ruling, the SIT has sought enhancement of sentences.
In August 2012, the trial court convicted 31 people and awarded life terms to 30 of them including Maya Kodnani for killings and criminal conspiracy. It awarded 'imprisonment till death' to former VHP leader Babu Bajrangi.