Sena Warns Lawyers Against Defending Kasab

[Azaad]

Mumbai, December 15

The Shiv Sena has threatened to attack any lawyer who takes up the case of Mohammal Ajmal Amir Iman alias Ajmal Kasab, the only terrorist to be captured alive during the Mumbai attack.

On Sunday, a large number of Sena activists, led by local leader Vinod Ghosalkar, descended on the residence of criminal lawyer Ashok Saraogi after TV channels flashed news that he was planning to defend Kasab. Timely intervention by the police ensured that Saraogi, who was also the defence lawyer of gangster Abu Salem, was saved from the wrath of Sena activists.

Later, the criminal lawyer released a statement stating that he would not defend Kasab bowing to “strong public sentiments”. Saraogi also admitted that senior officials approached him to defend Kasab.

So far Kasab hasn't been able to get a lawyer to take up his case. Experts say, the legal process against the bomber would not proceed unless defence is arranged for him. Another lawyer Dinesh Mota, who was asked by the Maharashtra legal aid cell to represent Kasab, has declined to fight the case, even risking cancellation of his license to practice law.

Sena’s Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Monday also said the party would not spare anyone who tries to represent Kasab.

Meanwhile, according to PTI, Maharashtra former additional advocate general P. Janardhan has said he is willing to represent the arrested terrorist if the Pakistan High Commission approaches him. “You (the state) have to give him a fair trial. If he is not represented, it will be a violation of human rights,” Janardan said.

“The state has to see that his human rights are not violated that is why I have come forward to defend him. But first the Pakistan High Commission will have to approach me,” he said.

Janardan also said there cannot be much of a defence for Kasab as he was caught red-handed shooting the people but according to the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) every accused must have a lawyer.

Earlier, the Bombay Metropolitan Magistrate Court’s Bar Association had passed a resolution not to represent Ajmal who is currently in the police custody. Notably, Kasab has also written to the Pakistan government seeking their services in finding a lawyer to defend him in court. But it is not clear if the Pakistan government will make any move to support him.

[spamindersingh]

Stupid Sena at their best. During the mumbai attacks Bal Thackery and his hotheaded nephew Raj Thackery hid out the media glare scared that a terrorist may attack them.

Now they are doing their usual b/s to gain votes. Stupid idiots should be aware that unless Kasab has a legal team there is no trial. No trial = holding someone without trial.