SC asks Orissa govt to explain permission to Togadia's march

New Delhi, Sep 3 (UNI) The Supreme Court today directed Orissa government to file an affidavit by tomorrow explaining circumstances under which permission was given to VHP leader Praveen Togadia to take out a procession with the ashes of slain leader Swami Laxmanananda and four others.

The court also sought to know whether such permission would lead to more violence against the Christians in the State.

The apex court has directed the Orissa government to explain the steps taken by it till now to protect lives and property of the people of the state, particularly Christians, who have been the main target of communal violence in the State.

Earlier, Collin Gonsalves, counsel for petitioner Rafeal Cheenath, Arch Bishop of Cuttack, submitted before the Court that a procession to be taken out on September 5 might lead to more violence against the tribal Christians in the State.

Till now, 27 lives have been lost in the violence allegedly perpetrated by Bajrang Dal activists in Kandhamal area of Orissa. The violence sparked off follawing the murder of Swami Laxmanananda last month.

A Bench, comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan, Justice P Sathasivam and Justice J M Panchal, adjourned the hearing of the case till tomorrow.

The petitioner has demanded a CBI inquiry against those involved in the violence and a compensation of four lakh each to the families of those killed.

The petitioner has also urged for the deployment of Central forces in the riot-affected areas.

UNI SC GT PM1406