Re-probe of Mahatma Gandhi murder: Amicus curiae seeks more time to reply

Mahatma Gandhi was shot dead at point-blank range in New Delhi on January 30, 1948 by Nathuram Vinayak Godse, a right-wing an advocate of Hindu nationalism.

The Supreme Court on Monday adjourned the hearing of re-investigation of Mahatma Gandhi assassination case for four weeks as amicus curiae Amrender Sharan sought more time to reply.

Sharan sought four weeks time to file the report, saying he was yet to receive relevant documents from the National Archives.

The apex court asked amicus curiae to examine legal validity of the plea, asking both the parties to clarify their locus standi.

The plea in the SC, filed by Mumbai-based Pankaj Phadnis, a researcher and a trustee of Abhinav Bharat, has sought the reopening of the probe on several grounds, claiming it was one of the biggest cover-ups in history.

However, Tushar Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi's great-grandson had opposed the plea.

A bench of Justices S A Bobde and M M Shantanagoudar questioned the locus of Tushar Gandhi in the case.

Senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for Gandhi, said she will explain the locus if the court moves ahead with issuing of notice.

The bench said there were several ifs and buts in the case and will like to wait for the amicus curiae (friend of the court) Amrender Sharan's report

Mahatma Gandhi was shot dead at point-blank range in New Delhi on January 30, 1948 by Nathuram Vinayak Godse, a right-wing advocate of Hindu nationalism.

(With agency inputs)