Cong steers clear of issue of Bhullars mercy petition

"It has always been our tradition not to comment on matters which are under hearing in the court," party spokesperson Manish Tewari said replying to a volley of questions including whether AICC endorsed the PCC chief`s views.

Noting that the Supreme Court has issued a notice to the respondent and the matter continues to be in the apex court, Tewari said "we are honouring our tradition of not to comment on on-going court proceedings."

To a specific question on whether the AICC endorsed the comments of the PCC chief Amrinder Singh`s comments, Tewari said "so far as intra-party proceeses, there is an institutional mechanism to deal with it. When this process will come into play, we will tell you."

Punjab`s ruling Shiromani Akali Dal has sought direct and immediate intervention of the Prime Minister to save the life of Bhullar on grounds of humanitarianism and civilised concern and above all national interest".

"I feel killing a man is not going to solve the problem.

By killing a man you can`t solve the problem," former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder, who is also PCC, had told reporters in Chandigarh yesterday. Amarinder wants the death sentence to be commuted to life imprisonment.