Supreme Court stays execution of 1993 Bombay blasts convict Yakub Memon

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the execution of death row convict Yakub Abdul Razak Memon in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case.

President Pranab Mukherjee had earlier rejected Yakub's mercy plea nearly ten days ago and his decision was conveyed to the Maharashtra government.

The decision was taken by the President following recommendations of the Maharashtra government and the Home Ministry that the mercy petition of Yakub be rejected, a senior official had said.

At least 257 people were killed in 13 blasts at several Mumbai landmarks, including the Bombay Stock Exchange, a popular cinema and two crowded markets.

The bombings, police say, were carried out at the behest of gangster Dawood Ibrahim to avenge the destruction of an ancient mosque by Hindu zealots in 1992 and subsequent riots in which many Muslims were killed. A special anti-terrorism court had convicted 100 people in the attacks.