Today, On 25th February, Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar has been sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The court found him guilty of inciting violence and murder during the riots. Victims’ families see this as delayed justice but an important step towards accountability.
New Delhi: A Delhi court sentenced former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar to life imprisonment in connection with a murder case stemming from the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
Special judge Kaveri Baweja delivered the verdict regarding the alleged killings of Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh on November 1, 1984.
The complainant, who is Jaswant’s wife, along with the prosecution, had sought the death penalty for Kumar. The offence of murder carries a maximum punishment of death, while the minimum sentence is life imprisonment.
The judge acknowledged that the offences committed by Kumar were undeniably brutal and reprehensible, but highlighted several mitigating factors. These included “his age of 80 years and various health issues, which weigh in favor of imposing a lesser sentence, rather than the death penalty.”
Murder carries a maximum punishment of death, while the minimum is life imprisonment.
The judge stated,
“The satisfactory’ conduct of the convict as per the report from the jail authorities, the ailments he is reportedly suffering from, his established roots in society, and the potential for his reformation and rehabilitation are significant considerations that, in my opinion, tip the scales in favor of a life imprisonment sentence instead of the death penalty”
On February 12, the court convicted Kumar and requested a report from Tihar Central Jail regarding his psychiatric and psychological evaluation, following a Supreme Court directive for such reports in cases involving capital punishment.
Kumar is currently incarcerated in Tihar jail.
On December 16, 2021, the court framed charges against Kumar after determining that there was a “prima facie” case against him.
The prosecution said that a huge mob, carrying dangerous weapons, looted, burned, and destroyed Sikh properties. This was in response to the killing of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
The mob reportedly attacked the home of the complainant, Jaswant’s wife, resulting in the deaths of her husband and son while also looting and burning their house. The court’s order found enough evidence to establish a “prima facie opinion” that Kumar was not only a participant but had also led the mob.
Previously, in May 2020, the Supreme Court had denied Sajjan Kumar interim bail or parole on health grounds. Both Kumar and Khokhar are currently incarcerated in Tihar jail following their convictions by the Delhi High Court on December 17, 2018.
On July 15, 2024, the Supreme Court had requested a response from the CBI regarding Balwan Khokhar’s plea for furlough, who is also serving life imprisonment in connection with the riots.
Before Sajjan Kumar’s sentencing in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, some Sikh community members have demanded the death penalty for him. They argue that the crime, involving murder and large-scale violence, qualifies as a ‘rarest of the rare’ case. According to them, he deserves the maximum punishment under the law.
Case Title: Sajjan Kumar v. State; Balwan Khokhar v. Central Bureau of Investigation [Crl.A. No. 1642/2018 & Crl.A. No. 1665-1666/2019]
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