Trial in disarray

The trial opened in disarray with the judge dismissing defense lawyer Anjali Waghmare for failing to disclose that she also represented a witness in the same case when she was appointed to defend Kasab, NDTV news quoted Judge ML Tahiliyani of the special court as saying.

"It will not be appropriate for Waghmare to continue. I revoke the appointment," Tahiliyani said, citing a conflict of interest. He said Waghmare's deputy KP Pawar would continue to represent Kasab, and adjourned the court until later in the day.

Some reports said the court was likely to recess until another lawyer was appointed to represent Kasab, because Waghmare's deputy was considered to lack experience.

The judge said even though Kasab was a foreign national, it was the court's duty to provide him with legal aid and a fair trial.

"Providing true legal aid is not charity. It is the right of the accused," the judge said.

Suspect faces death penalty

Kasab, allegedly a member of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist organization, faces the death penalty if convicted of taking part in the November 2008 rampage in India's financial capital, which saw 10 gunmen land in the city by boat and murder more than 160 people. The nine other gunmen were killed.

A further 300 others were wounded in the 60-hour-long attacks, which saw a packed railway station, two luxury hotels, a trendy cafe and Jewish center left littered with bodies.

Kasab is accused of murder and waging war against the nation, among other charges.