Kasab's lawyer to be paid Rs 2500 per day

MUMBAI: Senior Lawyer Abbas Kazmi, who is representing prime accused in the 26/11 terror attack case Mohammed Azmal Amir Kasab, will get Rs 2,500 per day as remuneration from the Maharashtra Government.

The case is heard five days - Monday to Friday - every week, entitling Kazmi to Rs 12,500 per week or Rs 50,000 per month as fees for defending Kasab, officials sources said.

As per the law, if an accused is unable to find a lawyer the court appoints one from state's legal aid cell. The court appointed advocate is paid a paltry sum of Rs 900 for the entire case. Therefore, very few come forward to represent an accused.

However, looking into the sensitive nature of this case, a special court has appointed Kazmi to defend Kasab and requested Maharashtra government to pay him a reasonable amount as remuneration.

Judge M L Tahaliyani had clarified in his order that the remuneration to Kasab's lawyer will be decided by state as a special case and it will not serve as precedent for others to follow.