In an unusual development, J M Panchal, the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) in the 2002 Godhra train carnage case, has passed a Purshish in the court of Additional Sessions Judge P R Patel, trying the case, against his assistant special public prosecutors (ASPP) N N Prajapati and A Y Kogje.

Panchal prayed to the court to record any misconduct on the part of his APPs “in the past or in future, in the interest of justice”.

The Purshish, which The Indian Express accessed, may point to a rift between Panchal and his assistants in this crucial case, although the SPP denies it.

It said: “The Hon’ble Court may be pleased to note and record any misconduct on the part of the ASPPs, which the Hon’ble Court may deem fit during the course of recording of evidence of the witnesses. The Hon’ble Court may also be pleased to record any misconduct on their behalf in the past.”

It added: “The aforementioned purshish is passed in the interest of justice and a free, fair and smooth trial proceeding.”

Panchal told this newspaper on Sunday that it was an unusual purshish, but he had to take this step. “The court may have felt that misconduct has been committed in the court by either or both the ASPPs once or twice. Therefore, I passed that purshish.”

Panchal declined to point out any specific instance in this regard, as also having any rift or differences between him and the two ASPPs. The two ASPPs, on their part, chose to keep mum over the issue.

... contd.