On 6/5/2010 special sessions judge M. L. Tahaliyani sentenced Ajmal Kasab to death on five counts. People in general expected death penalty and were happy at the judgment. Public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam was on all channels.
The death penalty has to be confirmed by the High Court. Thereafter it can be challenged in the Supreme Court. After that mercy petition can be filed. Pratibha Patil does not want to reject any mercy petition and with her as president there is no hope of Ajmal Kasab being put to death.
As of now mercy petitions are decided on a monthly basis, one case at a time. Home Ministry advised rejection of two mercy petitions. Pratibha Patil did not do that. It may take more than two years to dispose of the present pending cases.
K. R. Narayanan did not clear any file regarding mercy petitions when he was President. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam decided on two mercy petitions: one he rejected, another he commuted.
Congress blames BJP for pending mercy petitions during 1998-2004. Congress came to power in 2004. What did it do till 2009? Why one case per month? Why cann’t all petitions be rejected at once?
TV channels should be careful about the words they use. Referring to criminals who plan and carry out terrorist acts as generals and foot soldiers is wrong. Getting someone to talk against death penalty is out of place.
One person whose wife was murdered during 26/11 terrorist attack said he had moved on. His wife was killed in Taj Mahal Hotel. The terrorist who killed his wife was killed by commandos. I wonder whether the feeling would have been the same if the terrorist who killed his wife was alive.
India has witnessed many terror attacks. More people died in 11/7 railway blasts than in 26/11 attack. Not much is known about the accused and when the trial will take place.
There are reports of RSS men being involved in Ajmer and other blasts. Hope politics will not overshadow trials.
