Kasab’s appeal has no merit – Bombay HC confirms Capital Punishment

[Deletedid1]

The Division Bench of Justices Ranjana Desai and Ranjit More of the Bombay High Court Monday upheld the trial court verdict holding Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist of the 26/11 mayhem, guilty.

Accused Mohammed Ajmal Mohammad Amir Kasab along with two others were put on trial for offences punishable under Indian Penal Code, Arms Act, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, Explosives Act, Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984, Railways Act, Customs Act, Foreigners Act. The court has confirmed Kasab’s conviction under all the sections.

The trial court had convicted Kasab and imposed capital punishment while acquitting two co-accused. A criminal appeal was filed by Kasab in high court where his lawyer raised various issues and argued that the trial was faulty and ought to be set aside for grounds taken in the appeal. The trial court, as per provision of section 366 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, had also sought confirmation of its order while the State of Maharashtra preferred an appeal against the two acquitted co-accused.

Kasab’s lawyer argued that Kasab was not part of the larger criminal conspiracy entered between others named in the case involving incidents that took place in different parts of the city. It was also contended that prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. It was also stated that lawyer for Kasab was not experienced enough and moreover was not given enough time to study the case.

Raising an issue on lack of fair opportunity to be granted to Kasab to defend his case, defence lawyer argued that proper procedure to appoint a senior lawyer alongwith a junior lawyer for assistance was not followed. This contention was dismissed by the High Court. It was also argued that the trial was conducted in haste and therefore lawyer for Kasab in the trial court did not have sufficient time to read his papers. Noting that speedy trial has been laid down by the apex court as an important component of right of victims under Article 21 the court observed that rights of accused and victims must both be balanced and in present circumstance no cause has arisen to claim that the trial was vitiated.

The court further dismissed the argument that the case needs to be remanded back as all prosecution witnesses were not examined. The court noted that, “It is not necessary for the prosecution to multiply witnesses. The prosecution has to only examine such witnesses who would unfold the prosecution story.”

Refusing to take additional evidence on record the court distinguished the present case from that of Best Bakery case which was relied upon by defense seeking retrial. The court specifically noted that, “In this case, the trial court has adopted a participatory role. It has permitted recall of witnesses. It has examined court witnesses and at times, it has asked pertinent questions to elicit correct information. It cannot be said that the investigation in this case is faulty or the prosecutor was inept. No witnesses were threatened. The prosecution has examined as many as 659 witnesses. There are several injured witnesses who have deposed about the incidents in question. The prosecution has brought expert's evidence on record. Several witnesses have been examined to bring on record circumstantial evidence which is vital to the issues involved in this case. This, in our opinion, is not a case where any further evidence needs to be taken on record.”

It was also argued that Kasab had retracted his confession before the magistrate and therefore such judicial confession cannot be relied upon. It was also argued that the prosecution has to first prove its case. Judicial confession can only be used in aid of proved facts. After noting the procedure followed by the magistrate in recording the confession the High Court observed, and that the Magistrate had followed all required procedural aspects under section 164 CrPC and High Court Criminal Manual, the High Court held that no challenge could be sustained on the said aspect as well.

The court also relied on a apex court judgement to conclude that “reliance can also be placed on a retracted confession, if the prosecution satisfactorily establishes that it is true and voluntary and is corroborated on all material particulars.” The court also refused to entertain the plea that the confession should not have been recorded in the chamber but in open court.

On the question of validity of identification parade, especially because most witnesses had already seen photographs of the accused on television and newspapers, the High Court examined the issue at length and expressed satisfaction over the procedure followed in identification. The court held that, Sharad Vichare, Special Executive Magistrate has meticulously followed the High Court Criminal Manual. “He has taken care to ensure that dummies who resemble A1-Kasab were selected. He has taken all precautions to see that the identifying witnesses do not see A1-Kasab before the identification parade. The identification parade memos also inspire confidence. This witness has been cross-examined at length. However, in the cross-examination, he has reiterated that he had taken due care while conducting the identification parades. The defence has not elicited anything in the cross-examination which can establish that PW-265 had conducted the identification parade in a casual manner contrary to the guidelines issued by the High Court Criminal Manual.”

On the question of most of witnesses to be presumed to have seen their photographs in newspaper or television, the court noted that while it may be true, it does not itself vitiate the identification parade as there was no deliberate attempt to show the photograph of the accused to the witnesses before the parade. The court also dealt in detail with each of the witnesses testimony on identification of Kasab.

Importantly the court also noted that delay in recording the confessional statement of accused will not vitiate the case as “The investigation of this case cannot be equated with the investigation of an ordinary criminal case.”

The defence also raised the plea that there was delay in recording statement of witnesses. The court in this regard noted that “Delay in recording the statements of witnesses, in our opinion, will not adversely affect the prosecution case. Besides, delay in recording statements cannot be taken against the prosecution unless the investigating officer is asked to give explanation for the delay and he fails to give explanation. No questions were posed to the investigating officer about this aspect.”

On the defense’s challenge to procedure allowing recall of witnesses, the court held, “Having regard to the best evidence rule reflected in the above provisions of law and having regard to the above quoted judgments of the Supreme Court, we cannot fault learned Sessions Judge for permitting recall of witnesses or permitting their re-examination. This case involves several incidents. It has international ramifications. Several experts were examined. Huge data had to be co-related. It appears to us that because of sheer volume of record, due to oversight certain facts which were necessary to be brought on record for the just decision of the case, were not brought on record. Certain clarifications were necessary. Learned Sessions Judge had to, therefore, exercise his powers under Section 311 of the Code.”

On the aspects of entering into a criminal conspiracy for waging war against the government, the High Court examined in detail case law explaining the meaning of the two terms and concluded that the accused took steps consistent with common design underlying conspiracy. The bench examined the aspects relating to unlawful agreement to wage war against the government, training given to Kasab and others for effecting the said designs, fake identity cards and other evidence, the bench held, “We have, therefore, no hesitation in confirming the finding recorded by learned Sessions Judge that a criminal conspiracy was hatched in Pakistan by A-1 Kasab and other accused to wage war against Government of India.

[navi1487]

vadu malli sup ream court ki apply cheythadu.....first hang himmm 

[pandibalio]

emi democracy ra babu....vadi champi nattu anni unna ...vadiki shiksha padataniki enni rojulu paduthundhi....andhuke ee crime rate kuva mana country....... !q# !q# !q#

[The QUEEN]

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