Nagpur:
Yakub Memon, the only convict in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case whose death sentence was confirmed by the Supreme Court, has been awarded a master's degree in English literature by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).
Memon is lodged in the Central Prison in Nagpur. Alongwith him, seven other convicts, who are serving life-terms, were awarded IGNOU degrees yesterday.
The main convocation was held in New Delhi while a simultaneous function was held at the university's Regional Centre in Nagpur.
Memon, however, could not attend the convocation as police authorities refused him permission.
Dr Shivswaroop, Regional Director, IGNOU, told PTI that if the jail authorities permitted, he would like to hand degree certificate to Memon personally.
Memon, a qualified chartered accountant, cleared the MA examination with second division last year.