Kasab verdict a great victory, says legal eagle

Legal experts have welcomed the death sentence delivered against Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab.

Majeed Memon, a prominent senior advocate, told rediff.com that the verdict was welcome.

"It has sent across a very strong message, not only to Pakistan but also to the rest of the world, that India has a very effective judicial system in place. We have conveyed that all authorities are fighting the menace of terrorism, including the judiciary which has handed out this verdict," he said.

"What is important is that Kasab was accorded a very fair trial. There were many factors attached. He belonged to a hostile country like Pakistan. He was caught red-handed and there was a lot of public sentiment. All these factors can sometimes put immense pressure on the system. Notwithstanding all these factors, we resisted all this and accorded a fair trial," he added.

Majeed Memon went on to add, "We gave him a fair trial despite Kasab deciding to plead guilty. That statement was not used against him and he was put on trial. We gave him a lawyer when Pakistan denied him one, and handed out a sentence in accordance with the Constitution and legal framework of India."

"It is unfair to say that the trial was delayed unnecessarily. It was certainly done very quickly and promptly. One must not forget that it took just three months to investigate this matter. There were 600 witnesses who were examined during the trial, and the court and the prosecution have even worked hard on public holidays. It is a great victory," Memon said.

Image: Majeed Memon