Congress on Friday termed as "historic" the Supreme Court's order lifting the stay on trial in Gujarat riot cases and putting them on a fast track and said the Gujarat government and Chief Minister Narendra Modi are "on trial".

Party spokesman Kapil Sibal told reporters here that the apex Court has "really given a ray of hope" to the victims of Godhra train burning incident and its aftermath. "It's a historic decision of the Supreme Court".

"The people of Gujarat and the country are thankful to the court for continuing to live up to the expectations of the people," Sibal said.

Replying to questions, he rejected BJP's claim that the Supreme Court order was vindication of Modi.

The Supreme Court earlier in the day lifted the stay on trial of 2002 Gujarat riots cases and directed the setting up of fast track courts for holding it on a day-to-day basis.