Judge to study way out of traffic woes due to Kasab security

MUMBAI: Special Judge M L Tahilyani, who is conducting the 26/11 trial, was today appointed as Commissioner by the Bombay High Court to look into the inconvenience caused to persons residing near the Arthur Road court premises in view of the security provided to Mohammad Ajmal Kasab.

The appointment was made following a PIL filed by people living near the Arthur Road jail premises, where the trial is being conducted, objecting to the partial closure of the road along the jail.

A division bench of Justice Bilal Nazki and Justice V K Tahilramani directed Tahilyani to visit the area and hold meetings with the residents and shopkeepers and then file a detailed report by April 27.

Government pleader Dhairyasheel Nalavade told the court that the police has received reports that there is a threat perception to main accused Kasab.

"Persons living in the vicinity had been consulted before the commencement of the trial. The road adjacent is still functional," Nalavade told the court.

Justice Nazki, however, questioned how the police can stop traffic on a road.

"You have the power to only regulate traffic and not stop it completely. We will not allow any inconvenience to citizens," Justice Nazki said.

The petitioner argued that there are residential buildings and shops on the blocked road and that the closure of the road for vehicular traffic is illegal.

"The 1993 serial bomb blasts trial was also held in the same court and the road was not blocked then. Several dreaded terrorists were accused in the case. Why is the road blocked now for this trial?" the petition argues.

The court also directed the state government to pay Judge Tahilyani Rs 10,000 as fees.

The court will hear the matter on April 28.