http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-30952420071212

Supreme Court pulls up Modi over Sohrabuddin remarks
Wed Dec 12, 2007 6:03pm IST

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - The Supreme Court asked Narendra
Modi on Wednesday to explain why he apparently
justified the extra-judicial killing of Sohrabuddin
Sheikh in a campaign speech last week.

The chief minister of Gujarat is already under
investigation by the independent Election Commission
for his remarks about the staged killing of Sheikh,
shot by police on the pretext that he was planning to
kill Modi in 2005.

Last week, India's election panel asked Modi to
explain his remarks, saying he appeared to have
violated its Code of Conduct by fanning communal
hatred.

Modi replied by saying he was only responding to a
remark by Congress party leader Sonia Gandhi who
labelled his government "merchants of death".

Modi is accused of turning a blind eye to or actively
encouraging Hindu-Muslim riots in 2002 in which
between 1,200 and 2,500 people were killed, most of
them Muslims.

He swept the elections held later that year on an
overtly communal campaign, and is now facing the
electorate again in what analysts say is a close race
with Congress.

The Supreme Court said Modi was wrong to comment on
Sheikh's killing because the matter was sub-judice. It
is also hearing a petition seeking to make him a
co-accused in the case.

Modi had asked a campaign rally what should be done
with a man who had hidden AK-47 rifles, was wanted by
police and had relations with Pakistan.

When the crowd shouted "kill him, kill him", Modi
replied: "Does my government need Soniaben's (Sonia
Gandhi's) permission for this?"

The court's action came in response to several
petitions. It has, however, exempted Modi from
appearing in person and set no date for his reply.

Political analysts were divided about the implication
of the court's action. One said it would adversely
affect Modi's image, while another said it would
rebound in his favour by mobilising his Hindu
supporters.

The first round of voting took place on Tuesday, with
a second on Sunday and counting slated for Dec. 23.