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Serial blast case enters crucial phase with defence arguments
The 1993 serial blast case has entered a crucial phase with 123 accused, including film star Sanjay Dutt, submitting their arguments at the end of the trial to falsify the prosecution`s story and wriggle out of the clutches of the stringent TADA (p) act.
The 1993 serial blast case has entered a crucial phase with 123 accused, including film star Sanjay Dutt, submitting their arguments at the end of the trial to falsify the prosecution's story and wriggle out of the clutches of the stringent TADA (p) act.
After the trial concluded, CBI submitted arguments implicating all the accused in the conspiracy leading to serial explosions here on march 12, 1993 in which more than 200 persons were killed.
Defence lawyer Majeed Memon opened arguments on November nine on behalf of the accused challenging the approver's pardon. He said the approver was pardoned by a magistrate when the TADA judge alone had the powers to grant such pardon. CBI had thus failed to seek proper pardon for the approver.
Memon further said that the approver was involved in all the stages of the conspiracy and was a prime accused in the crime. Therefore he could not be a recipient of pardon in such a serious crime, the lawyer told designated judge P D Kode.
Moreover, a pardon is given only after the concerned accused makes a full and true disclosure of information known to him. In this case it did not happen because there was evidence to show that the approver had earlier refused to accept pardon before the magistrate, Memon contended. The prosecution is harping on the approver's version of the conspiracy because he is the key witness to the operations leading to serial blasts. The accused have challenged the pardon granted to approver in a bid to demolish CBI's case.
Arguments will continue when court opens after Diwali vacations. The verdict is expected next year.
Bureau Report
Defence lawyer Majeed Memon opened arguments on November nine on behalf of the accused challenging the approver's pardon. He said the approver was pardoned by a magistrate when the TADA judge alone had the powers to grant such pardon. CBI had thus failed to seek proper pardon for the approver.
Memon further said that the approver was involved in all the stages of the conspiracy and was a prime accused in the crime. Therefore he could not be a recipient of pardon in such a serious crime, the lawyer told designated judge P D Kode.
Moreover, a pardon is given only after the concerned accused makes a full and true disclosure of information known to him. In this case it did not happen because there was evidence to show that the approver had earlier refused to accept pardon before the magistrate, Memon contended. The prosecution is harping on the approver's version of the conspiracy because he is the key witness to the operations leading to serial blasts. The accused have challenged the pardon granted to approver in a bid to demolish CBI's case.
Arguments will continue when court opens after Diwali vacations. The verdict is expected next year.
Bureau Report