Serial blasts: Sentences to be pronounced after Feb 23

Mumbai, Feb 20 (UNI) The designated TADA court here is likely to pronounce sentences upon the 1993 Mumbai serial blast convicts after February 23.

The court is likely to announce on February 23 the date from when it will start delivering the sentences.

The TADA court has already held 100 persons guilty in the 1993 serial blasts case but is yet to pronounce the quantum of punishement to be awarded.

The court concluded hearing into the arguments by the prosecution and the defence on the quantum of punishment to be awarded to those convicted.

The court heard the arguments on behalf and against Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, who too has been convicted in the case, last of all.

The 48-year-old actor has been convicted by the TADA court under the Arms Act for possessing a nine mm pistol and a Ak-56 assault rifle. He faces a jail term of five to 10 years under the Arms Act for possession of weapons.

Sanjay Dutt's counsel V R Manohar argued before the court that his client was not a habitual offender. The weapon, recovered from Sanjay Dutt, was given to the actor voluntarily by co-accused Hanif Kadawalla and Sameer Hingora, who were known to Sanjay Dutt as film producers, Adv Manohar argued.

The defence counsel urged the court that his client should be provided relief under the Probation of Offender's Act. The prosecution had, earlier, strongly argued against providing Dutt any such relief.

UNI