26/11: arguments to begin from March 9

The special sessions court trying the Mumbai terror attacks case on Tuesday proposed March 9 as the date for starting the final arguments. Judge M.L. Tahaliyani, however, said the date would be officially declared on Wednesday.

Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam is slated to open his argument, followed by Defence Lawyer K.P. Pawar for Mohammad Ajmal Amir Kasab, and lawyers for the other two accused — Fahim Ansari and Sabahuddin Ahmed.

Khalid Azmi, the brother of Ansari’s lawyer Shahid Azmi — who was murdered earlier this month — has been appointed to represent the accused. R.B. Mokashi would be the senior counsel arguing Ansari’s case.

Expressing concern over his security, Mr. Azmi requested the court to ban the media from publishing his name. However, the court said there was no law restricting the media from publishing a lawyer’s name.

Mr. Tahaliyani urged the young lawyer to shun his fear. “If lawyers are afraid how will the society survive?” he said.

Mr. Azmi has not yet asked for protection. However, Rakesh Maria, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime), told journalists that the advocate would be given protection.