FILE photo: 1993 Bombay blasts convict Yakub Memon
The Supreme Court is today expected to take up 1993 Bombay blasts convict Yakub Memon's curative petition seeking commutation of his death sentence. The plea is the last legal option available to Memon who is likely to be hanged on July 30 if the top court rejects his petition for mercy.
Memon, 53, was found guilty of conspiracy in 2007 for the serial blasts that killed over 250 people. He is currently in the Nagpur Central jail, which has facilities for hanging. Sources say an anti-terror court in Mumbai has issued a warrant for his execution. It will be the first execution related to the 1993 blasts.
As per rules, the curative petition will not be taken up in the open court and will be decided in the chambers of Judges.
Memon's appeals against the death sentence were rejected all the way to the Supreme Court and also by the President.
Sources say the date and time of execution has already been approved by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. His family members have also been informed, which is the procedure, say sources in the government.
Sources, though, add that the date of execution can change if the top court asks.
Memon, a charted accountant, had challenged his death sentence on the grounds that while he could be held guilty of conspiracy, he was not involved in executing the blasts that led to the death of people. His brother Ibrahim Memon, better known as Tiger Memon, who is one of the main accused in the case, is missing since he left the country in 1993.
President Pranab Mukherjee had rejected Memon's mercy petition earlier this year and left it to Maharashtra to decide on the date of his hanging.