Afzal Guru's fate to be sealed by President

23 June, 2010

Along with Afzal, five other terrorists had opened fire on the Parliament on December 13, 2001. After a thorough investigation by the agencies, Afzal Guru was charged with plotting the attack.

MOHD AFZAL Guru, the main accused in the 2001 Parliament attack got his mercy plea rejected by the Home Ministry, which was filed by his wife four years ago. Guru has been sentenced to death for his alleged involvement in the attack on Indian parliament.

Along with Afzal, five other terrorists had opened fire on the Parliament on December 13, 2001. After a thorough investigation by the agencies, Afzal Guru was charged with plotting the attack.

Afzal Guru's mercy pleas, which was addressed to the President was rejected by the Home Ministry and returned last week stating the act was barbaric and an unpardonable offence. On December 18, 2002 the Delhi High Court had awarded him death sentence. After the declaration, he moved to the Supreme Court which upheld the sentence on August 4, 2005.

Although the case has been going on for nine years, the plea has now finally reached President Pratibha Patil, who can exercise her powers and take the decision under Article 72 of the Constitution.