Lawyer Abbas Kazmi, who represents key accused in the Mumbai terror attack, Azmal Amir Kasab, will get Rs 2,500 per day as remuneration from the Maharashtra Government.
The case is heard five days -- Monday to Friday -- every week, entitling Kazmi to Rs 12,500 per week or Rs 50,000 per month as fees for defending Kasab, officials sources said.
As per the law, if an accused is unable to find a lawyer the court appoints one from state's legal aid cell.
The court-appointed advocate is paid a paltry sum of Rs 900 for the entire case.
Therefore, very few come forward to represent an accused. However, looking into the sensitive nature of this case, a special court has appointed Kazmi to defend Kasab and requested the Maharashtra government to pay him a reasonable amount as remuneration. Judge M L Tahaliyani had clarified in his order that the remuneration to Kasab's lawyer will be decided by state as a special case and it will not serve as precedent for others to follow.
Accordingly, the special court sent his recommendation (about appointing Kazmi as defence lawyer for Kasab) to principal secretary to state government who in turn forwarded the proposal to law and judiciary department.
The department has approved Rs 2,500 remuneration per day for Kazmi, the sources said.
Confirming the development Kazmi said, "A government notification was issued a few days ago and I have received a copy of it." About 35 witnesses have been examined so far in the case, trial for which is being carried on a day-to-day basis in a special court."