26/11 case: Qasab an adult, can face death

Ajmal Qasab can get the death penalty if convicted. Qasab's lawyer had told the court he was a minor when the attack was carried out and should be tried in a juvenile court, but medical tests have proved otherwise.

A report submitted to the special court by 4 government doctors who examined Qasab says Qasab's wisdom tooth has erupted, roots are developed. X-ray tests show complete fusion of joints, proving that Qasab is an adult.

Qasab clearly wants to challenge that. He stopped the proceedings telling the judge he wanted to speak with his lawyer on the issue of his age, and had a conversation with Kazmi.

Before his medical test on Wednesday, Qasab even told that panel he was seventeen and a half.

Now his defence has asked for 3 more witnesses to prove their case.

Abbas Kazmi, Qasab's lawyer, says: "There is a tiny margin of error. We have to absolutely certain."

It is this margin of error that the defence will hope to exploit.  If Qasab is proved a minor he will get away. His only punishment will be correctional action -- a far cry from he can get if he guilty as an accused over 18 years.