New Delhi:
The Supreme Court has rejected 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Kasab's plea asking the court to commute the death sentence handed to him by the Bombay High Court to life imprisonment. The court observed today that it was "left with no option but to uphold the sentence" because the primary offence that Kasab was charged with was waging war against India.
Here are some reactions after the court's verdict:
Raju Ramachandran, Amicus Curiae"I bow to the verdict of the court. As amicus curiae I was given full opportunity to say all that I could in his defence. Let us take pride in our judicial system which adheres to due process, whoever be the accused and whatever be the crime.
"I made my arguments and the court considered them. No lawyer should be attached to the result of the case...I would definitely call it one of the greatest professional challenges of my career to be able to make plausible arguments in a case which world has thought to be hopeless."
Gopal Subramanium, Prosecutor"As a prosecutor who argued this case, I can say this was done in a professional manner and in a dispassionate atmosphere. It is a complete victory of due process (of law). India must feel proud that in democracy we give every accused an opportunity to present his case."
RR Patil, Maharashtra Home Minister"We will ask the Center to hang Ajmal Kasab at the earliest. We welcome the decision. We are happy that the court gave this verdict based on evidences collected by us."
SM Krishna, External Affairs Minister"The Supreme Court is the highest court of appeal in India and when it announces something it becomes law of the land and other things will follow. I am sure Pakistan will not fail to take note (of this)."
Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, BJP Leader"Those who wage war against the country and kill innocents deserve no mercy. Kasab should be hanged without any delay. Enough of biryani for him." Describing Pakistan as "a terror factory", he said the government "must take all steps to destroy" their terror infrastructure. "No leniency should be shown against this kind of a terrorist. They have tried to destroy the peace of the nation, so he (Kasab) should be hanged as fast as possible," he added.
Himanshu Roy, Joint Commissioner (Crime), Mumbai"The verdict of the Supreme Court rejecting the appeal of Ajmal Kasab and confirming the death sentence is an important milestone in our fight against terror."
Rashid Alvi, Congress Leader"The whole country knew this in fact the whole world knew this very well. Kasab, who came from Pakistan, played what role is known to everyone. We have our own legal system and the court of law has done its job. The Supreme Court has given the same decision as given by the High Court and this has made things crystal clear.
(With Inputs from PTI)