NE NEWS SERVICE
AHMEDABAD, FEB 10
Even as the designated special court on Wednesday began hearing on the quantum of punishment for 49 persons convicted in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts case, the prosecution sought death penalty for some convicts.
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While the prosecution asserted that it intended to seek capital punishment for some of the convicts, the defence lawyers urged the court to grant them three weeks to make submissions for leniency. The defence lawyers said the prisoners needed an opportunity to reform themselves.
Adjourning the hearing till February 11, special judge Ambalal R Patel, directed lawyers to gather details for their submissions after meeting convicts in jail.
However, special prosecutor Amit Patel opposed the demand for a three-week adjournment, citing a Supreme Court judgment which stated that hearing should not be adjourned for so long. Patel argued that the aspect of reformation of a convict and his re-integration into society is important, but this aspect should not be overemphasized.
The prosecutor submitted, “In this case, convictions can attract a maximum punishment of death or imprisonment of life. The prosecution intends to seek capital punishment for some of the convicts.”
But the defence lawyers repeated their request that the court allow them some time so that the lawyers could interact with convicts and prepare themselves for submission on the aspect of sentencing.
Special judge Patel accepted their request partially. He directed the defence lawyers to consult the convicts in jail on Wednesday itself and gather details about their condition.
But the convicts are lodged in different prisons in states including Delhi, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
Taking this into cognizance, the court ordered all jail authorities concerned to supply details of the prisoners’ medical condition and send all relevant documents concerning the convicts to the Sabarmati Central Jail authority by Wednesday evening.
