Upholding Bombay HC’s death penalty, the Supreme Court in a 398-page unanimous verdict said terror strike from across the border was aimed at India and Indians.

COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

WHAT NEXT?

3 chancesKasab won’t be hanged yet. He has three more opportunities for redressal. He can file a review petition in the SC. If that is disposed of, and the sentence is upheld, he can file a mercy petition with the governor. As last resort, he can seek mercy from president Pranab Mukherjee. This may take several months.

No queueThere is nothing like a queue in mercy petitions. The president can dispose of any mercy petition as per his will. There are 11 mercy petitions of 16 condemned prisoners pending with the president. One is with the home ministry. Many are pending for several years.

Fast forward?In Kasab’s case, there should be no reason for the president to delay a decision as the home ministry sees it as an open and shut case. It does not want any delays. “If Kasab sends a mercy petition, we will ensure it is disposed of in minimum time,” Union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde said.