A two-judge bench has recused itself from hearing a case related to one of worst episodes of the 2002 Gujarat riots - involving the massacre of over 100 people in Naroda Patiya. The judges have said they have been contacted by some of the accused.

Several high profile people are among the 32 people convicted in the case -- including former minister Maya Kodnani, and Bajrang Dal leader Babu Bajrangi, whose bail has been extended for 10 days on health grounds.

But last week, when their appeal against conviction came up for hearing, Justice M R Shah and Justice K S Jhaveri said they had reservations against hearing the case and referred it to the Acting Chief Justice for assigning it to another bench.

The judges told the lawyers that some accused persons had "tried to approach" them. The appeal will now be heard by another bench on Tuesday.

This was not the first time allegations of interference in the judicial process have surfaced. After delivering the conviction order in 2012, sessions judge Jyotsna Yagnik had received death threats and was given Z-Plus security protection. But her security was scaled down in September last year, and she brought it to the notice of Special Investigation Team which is investigating the riot cases.

Rights activists are worried about the interference with the judicial process.

"When judges start recusing on this basis... I would say it is not just worrying for the state, but the entire country and for victims seeking justice," said activist Father Cedric Prakash.

"The victims have all along felt hurt that there have been attempts to derail the investigation process... and now this.... We will try to approach the court to seek an inquiry on who had approached the judges,'' said advocate for the victims, Shamshad Pathan.