26/11 trial: Sabahuddin’s lawyer writes to HC for two more judges

The letter,said to have been posted to the office of the Chief Justice on December 20,states that Lam is “utilizing the opportunity provided by Article 226 of the Constitution dealing with litigation in the public interest to write to you and seek your intervention — regarding the trial of Ajmal Kasab,Fahim Ansari and Sabahuddin Ahmed…”

The letter states,“Right from the outset,I was surprised… that the sessions court had appointed a single judge to preside over a case that involves terrorism,is sensitive in the extreme as regards public reaction and could have an international dimension. I was humbly of the view that a panel of three or even five judges should have been appointed.”  

Clarifying as to why he had not made such a plea earlier,Lam said,“At that stage,I did not make an application to a higher court to increase the number of judges as I felt that the need of the moment was for the case to commence as soon as possible.”

Since the pronouncement of the verdict is yet to take place,it would certainly not be at all late for the High Court to appoint or require the Sessions Court to appoint two additional judges,he has prayed in the letter.