India's Apex Court stays 26/11 terror attack gunman's death sentence

India's apex court "Supreme Court" on Monday stayed the death sentence of Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving gunman involved in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, on his petition that he does not deserve to be hanged because of his young age. The court, however, wondered whether Kasab deserved to be heard. The Court observed that while there was indignation against the carnage the due process of law would be observed to establish "rule of law", and also decided that regular daily hearings of the Kasab case would begin in January 2012. In its observation, the Court said: "God knows we will do our best to maintain rule of law. At times we have to suffer. That is the price we have to pay for maintaining the supremacy of law. The matter requires expeditious hearing. For all the concerned, this case must be listed on top priority." In his Special Leave Petition before the Supreme Court, Kasab had claimed he was brainwashed like a "robot" into committing the heinous crime in the name of "God", and that he does not deserve capital punishment owing to his young age. As many as 10 Pakistani terrorists had entered into Mumbai taking the sea route, and opened indiscriminate firing at several places in the country's financial capital, killing 166 people, including many foreigners. While nine terrorists were killed by Indian security personnel during the 60-hour seize, Kasab was nabbed alive and is being tried as per Indian Criminal Law system.