SC directs Maha EC to hold local body elections

Counsel argues for 3-judge bench citing ruling in Red Fort terror case

- SUCHITRA KALYAN MOHANTY @ New Delhi

THE Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected the argument that appeals against conviction in the 2002 Godhra train burning case should be heard by a three-judge bench instead of a two-judge bench as it involves the imposition of the death penalty.

Senior advocate Sanjay Hegde, representing two of the convicts, informed the bench, which also included Justice Aravind Kumar, that a previous ruling in the Red Fort terror attack case established that such matters should be reviewed by a three-judge bench when it involves capital punishment.