26/11 Mumbai attacks case: SC stays Ajmal Kasab's death sentence

In a much awaited verdict, the Supreme Court on Monday stayed the death sentence of Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks case.

Kasab, the sole convict in the case, had challenged his conviction and filed a petition through jail authorities in the apex court which has appointed senior advocate Raju Ramachandaran as amicus curie to assist it in deciding the appeal.

Kasab's sentence has been stayed till the apex court hears the jail petition filed by Ramachandaran.

On September 2, the apex court had agreed to hear the plea of Maharashtra government against the acquittal of two accused Faheem Ansari and Sabauddin Ahmed in the 26/11 case.

It, however, had refused to pass any order on Kasab when the state government pleaded that his letter to the Supreme Court challenging his death sentence should be tagged with this appeal.

The Bombay high court had in its February 21 verdict upheld the trial court order of death sentence of Kasab for the "brutal and diabolical" attacks aimed at "destabilising" the government.

Kasab's death penalty was upheld on charges of criminal conspiracy, waging war against the nation, IPC section related to murder and under sections of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.