Court Gets Makeover Ahead Of Ajmal's First Hearing

Court Gets Makeover Ahead Of Ajmal's First Hearing Dated : February 23, 2009 4:11 IST Source : DNA, Menaka RaoMonday, Mumbai: Text Mohammed Ajmal Amir aka Kasab, the lone terrorist captured alive during the November attacks on Mumbai, will appear for his first hearing in a brightly done-up and organised court in Arthur Road Jail. What Ajmal won't know is that not too long ago, there was nothing bright or organised about the "makeshift" courtroom, where the 1993 serial blasts case was tried. In use for the last 16 years, the dilapidated court hadn't undergone any major change except for an occasional whitewash and minor flooring repair. Judge ML Tahiliyani, who has been transferred out of the Bombay High Court to try Ajmal, was aghast when he visited the court last Monday, a source in the jail said. Tahiliyani is said to be particular about cleanliness. The public works department (PWD) is now trying to make the court look livelier and organised, the source said. The walls are being painted white as opposed to just a lime wash. The wooden railings, dock, and judge's dais are being polished dark brown. The old fans are being replaced with new ones and the grimy, jammed sliding windows are being cleaned. The entire layout of the court is being changed. Earlier, the court, in the third barrack from the entrance, and the judge's chamber were on the first floor. The court, judge's chamber and registrar's office will be on the first floor. The ground floor was used for administration and the registrar's office, but it will only have a water-cooler now. Considering there are only four accused in the 26/11 case, part of the top floor will be used as the registrar's office. The judge's chamber will be bigger than special judge PD Kode's during the 1993 blasts trial. A new split AC is also being installed. The accused will be kept in the second barrack only when the court is on break to ensure the media stays away from Ajmal .

"Loved reading this piece by AEJAZ AHMED?
Join LAWyersClubIndia's network for daily News Updates, Judgment Summaries, Articles, Forum Threads, Online Law Courses, and MUCH MORE!!"

Join our Telegram group

Join our Whatsapp group