Missionary's killer rejects appeal option

Defence lawyers for the man sentenced to death for killing Australian missionary Graham Staines and his sons, say they will not appeal against the judgement.

Bana Mohanty, defence lawyer for the man accused of instigating and leading the mob that killed Mr Staines and his sons says his client, Dara Singh, does not wish to launch an appeal against his death sentence.

"Dara has told me that he will not file any appeal before any higher forum, because the judgement which is passed by the district judge is not proper," he said.

"It is one-sided judgement, it is not a fair judgement."

However, Mr Mohanty says he will launch an appeal for the 12 other men who were jailed for life.

In India, the death penalty is carried out by hanging and is handed down in only the rarest cases.