The Supreme Court on Friday sought the Union government's response by March 15 on the demand of witnesses in the Gujarat riot cases for protection by central forces like Central Reserve Police Force.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice V N Khare observed that in federal offences and those relating to violation of fundamental rights, the Union government should come forward to give protection to witnesses.

The bench asked Gujarat government about the cases, in the high court, challenging the grant of bail to the accused in eight riot cases, the trial in which has been stayed by the apex court.

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