Mumbai: The Constitution makes it abundantly clear that anyone accused of a crime in the country is entitled to a lawyer.
However, Ajmal Qasab the terrorist caught during the Mumbai terror attacks has been a legal hot-potato with no one willing to represent him.
And Anjali Waghmare, the one lawyer who was willing had her home attacked by Shiv Sainiks. She was confident yesterday, but fed up and scared today.
Nine Shiv Sainiks were arrested and sent to judicial custody.
In the court on Tuesday, Waghmare told the judge, "Who are these people to tell me if I should continue with this case or not? I have been appointed by the court as I was on the government panel. I did this in the interest of the country," she said.
The judge said he would examine if the accused can be booked for contempt of court. The Mumbai police have also been asked to submit a report.
But Waghmare's troubles don't end here. She was also giving legal advice to a victim and a possible witness in the case, something legal experts say can raise a conflict of interest.
This is not the first time that a lawyer willing to represent a terror accused has been threatened or attacked. It has happened before in this case itself.
Anjali has now said she needs a day to rethink if she will defend Qasab or not. Meanwhile she has only one appeal - don't politicise this issue.