Gujarat riots: Supreme Court bails out 15

New Delhi : Citing spiritual and moral guidance, the Supreme Court on Tuesday granted bail to 15 convicts in the post-Godhra Sardarpura riot case in Gujarat wherein 33 members of a particular community were burnt alive.

A bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde and comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and Surya Kant has put them in two groups -- six of them will remain in Indore and the rest will go to Jabalpur.

They will however not be allowed to enter Gujarat. The top court also asked them to carry out social work and practice spirituality during the bail period, to help reinforce moral guidance in them.

The top court also asked the district legal authorities at Indore and Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh to ensure that the convicts, as per the top court direction on granting bail, are engaged in spiritual and social work.

The court asked the authorities to help them find work for a livelihood.

Following this, the state legal authorities will file a compliance report, as also on their conduct.

The convicts were represented by senior advocate P.S. Patwalia and advocate Astha Sharma whereas Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared for the state.