26/11: State govt to spend 30 lakh to defend Kasav

Mumbai, May 14: The Maharashtra government is likely to spend nearly 30 lakhs as legal aid expenses to defend the prime accused, Azam Amir Kasav in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

According to sources in Law and Judiciary department of the state government, the government has recommended a honorarium of Rs 2,500 per day for the lawyer defending Kasav, Abbas Kazmi. As the court handling the trial will function for a minimum of 20 days Kazmi will earn Rs 50,000 in a month.

Typically, a lawyer who is member of the state legal aid panel is appointed by the state to defend an accused who can not pay for the legal expenses himself/herself, is paid Rs 900. However, Kazmi is not a member of the panel, the state has recommended Rs 2,500 a day as his fee, the sources added.

Earlier public prosecutor, Ujjwal Nikkam had pointed out that the trial may take at least five years. This will make the defence counsel's salary a hefty 30 lakhs.

OneIndia News