24 mercy petitions disposed of since 2009, 13 pending

New Delhi: As many as 24 mercy petition cases have been disposed of since 2009 while 13 are still pending with the government, Parliament was told on Tuesday. Among the 24 mercy petitions that have been disposed of is that of Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab - the last 26/11 terrorist who was executed on November 21 in Pune's Yerwada Prison - Minister of State for Home M Ramachandran told the Lok Sabha in response to a question.

The 13 mercy petitions that are still pending include those of Mohammed Afzal Guru, the main accused in the 2001 Parliament attack case and Balwant Singh Rajoana, the prime accused in the assassination of then Punjab chief minister Beant Singh.

On being asked what action was being taken for quick disposal of mercy petitions, Ramachandran replied: "Expeditious action is being taken for the disposal of mercy petitions...However, the power under Article 72 of the constitution does not contain any limitation as to the time in which the power conferred might be exercised."

The 13 mercy petitions that are still pending include those of Afzal Guru and Balwant Singh Rajoana.

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