The Mumbai court conducting the trial of the 1993 serial blasts case on Wednesday divided the 100 people convicted by it into three groups ahead of final arguments on the quantum of sentence to be given to each of them.
"Those convicted have been split into three groups. One consists of those convicted under Section 120(b) of the IPC for conspiracy, another consists of those convicted under Section 3(3) of the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act and the third consists of those convicted under the Arms Act or Customs Act," Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam said.
Judge P D Kode will hear final arguments by the Central Bureau of Investigation and lawyers from Thursday and then begin hearing arguments by the 43 people convicted on the charge of participating in the conspiracy behind the blasts that killed 257 people.
Following this, it will hear arguments for the 44 people convicted under TADA for aiding and abetting terrorist acts.
Finally, it will hear arguments from the third group of 13 people, including actor Sanjay Dutt.
Among those convicted for conspiracy and under TADA are kin of absconding prime accused Tiger Memon, and persons who planted the bombs who could be given the death sentence.
Kode has ordered police to increase their presence in the court to ensure that there are no untoward incidents during arguments or when the sentences are announced.
