Three more months before Kasab's case reaches HC

The exercise of forwarding case papers and judgement of 26/11 special court to the Bombay High Court for confirmation of death penalty imposed on terrorist Ajmal Kasab would take at least three months, special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam said.The 1522-page judgement, proceedings of the year-long- trial, evidence tendered by witnesses and their statements on affidavits as well as the original copies of exhibits and documents tabled by prosecution would be compiled in a 'paper book' and sent to the high court.The 'paper book' in typed format would be forwarded by this month end and thereafter the High Court staff would get involved in printing its contents. The entire exercise would take at least three months, Nikam told PTI. Only after the 'paper book' is ready, would the high court hear the matter and decide on the confirmation of the death sentence imposed on Kasab for killing 166 persons in Mumbai. Kasab can also file an appeal in the high court within 30 days of being held guilty by the court. The government too can appeal against the acquittal of two co-accused Faheem Ansari and Sabauddin Ahmed. In that event, the high court would hear all matters simultaneously. If the high court confirms the death penalty then Kasab has a right to appeal in the Supreme Court. He can also approach the President with a mercy petition if the Apex court upholds the capital punishment.