As the International Court of Justice to decide Kulbhushan Jadhav's fate today, locals in Mumbai held special prayers and havan for suspension of his death sentence.

The people attending the prayers were seen carrying photos of Jadhav and banners that spoke of the support for him.

Jadhav's childhood friend Arvind Singh said he was hopeful that the ICJ would give a verdict in India's favour.

"We all are praying that he is delivered justice. Almost everybody here is praying for him. We have been campaigning on various fronts for his safe return. We are very hopeful that the verdict is going to be in our favour. The way Salve ji has put his point, we are very hopeful," he added.

Havans are also being held in other parts of the country including Varanasi and Patna among others.

The most-awaited judgment in regard with the case is all set to be pronounced today by the International Court of Justice.

The Pakistan military court awarded death sentence to the former Indian naval officer on April 10 for alleged 'espionage and subversive activities'. -- ANI

IMAGE: People performing a havan in Mumbai. Photograph: ANI