26/11 Judge Reprimands Defence Counsel

Special judge ML Tahiliyani, who is trying the lone surviving attackers of Mumbai terror attacks Amir Ajmal Kasab, reprimanded counsel for Defence Abbas Kazmi for making ‘irresponsible’ statements and asked him why his service should not be terminated for ‘misconduct’.

Kazmi told the court that he did not care about affidavits of witnesses filed by prosecution, the remarks which invited the judge’s ire.

He gave this statement after the Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam informed the court that he wished to file 340 affidavits of formal witnesses and that copies of 233 such documents have already been served on the defence lawyer.

The judge also asked special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam whether Kazmi should be retained.

“If he tenders an unconditional apology, the court could consider it. Otherwise suitable action can be taken,” Nikam said.

But Kazmi said, “Do I look like the sort who will withdraw? Do you think I will apologise? Whatever I say will be used against me in court. I will argue before the court tomorrow.”