Cong refrains from reacting to Afzhal Guru execution issue

New Delhi, Aug 10 (PTI) Congress on Wednesday steered
clear of questions on decision on early execution of Indian
Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru contending it was not
proper to react to mercy petition cases submitted to the
President.
"It is also part of a system. The matter is with the
President. Just like it is not proper to say anything on
sub-judice cases, the same holds true with issues submitted to
the President,"party spokesman Rashid Alvi told reporters.
He was asked whether Congress would plead for an early
decision on the mercy petition of Guru. Government informed
Parliament Wednesday that there is no provision under the
Constitution for deciding upon any "clemency petition" against
capital punishment as per sequence of its submission.
Guru was convicted of conspiracy in the December 2001
attack on Parliament and was sentenced to death by the Supreme
Court in 2004.
However, Guru's execution was stayed following a mercy
petition filed by his wife. He remains on death row.