Reacting on relief application of Godhra train carnage convict Irfan Pada’s Pakistani wife, the Gujarat High Court on Friday asked her to apply for Indian citizenship before January 14.
long-term visa of Pada’s wife Maria has expired and her application for extension was rejected. On this she approached Gujarat High Court. The court has allowed her to stay in India till February 16. The State Government rejected her application for visa extension and asked her to leave the country by January 8. In her bail plea she said that the State Government did not have the power to reject her application based on the adverse opinion of police.
Justice RM Chhaya said that in case of failing to file for Indian citizenship before January 14, she could be deported to Pakistan. According to the court, the Central Government must decide on her status before February 15. Apart from Pada, 30 others have been convicted for torching S-6 coach of Sabarmati Express in 2002, which was the prime reason for the Gujarat riots in that year.
Pada also got bail in November 2014 to marry his Pakistani wife, who was travelling on long-term visa. They have a year old daughter too.