The Supreme Court instructed the CBI to respond to Balwan Khokhar’s plea for suspension of his sentence related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Khokhar, currently 66 and facing health issues, argues that the jail’s rejection of his furlough request was unfounded. The case highlights the tension between justice for victims and humanitarian considerations for aging convicts.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to respond to a plea filed by Balwan Khokhar, a convict in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, seeking suspension of his sentence.
A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Rajesh Bindal issued the notice while hearing Khokhar’s plea, which contended that the rejection of his furlough application by jail authorities was based on “wholly frivolous, non-existent, and unfounded grounds.”
Khokhar, represented by advocate Rakesh Dahiya, argued in his plea that the jail authorities had denied his application for furlough on September 26, 2024, citing concerns over societal unrest if he were released. The authorities claimed that his release could disturb “peace and tranquillity” and have “adverse repercussions” in the community.
The applicant highlighted that this rejection went against the Supreme Court’s earlier directions for expeditious consideration of his furlough application.
Khokhar, a former Congress leader, was convicted along with Sajjan Kumar and others in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The convictions stemmed from an FIR lodged at the Delhi Cantt Police Station, leading to his sentencing under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
He is currently serving a life sentence and is lodged in Tihar Central Jail, Delhi.
Khokhar previously sought bail through an intervening application, which was dismissed by the Supreme Court on February 3, 2023, when he had already served 8 years and 7 months of his sentence. He has also challenged the High Court’s decision dated December 17, 2018, which upheld his conviction.
In his application, Khokhar pointed out his advanced age and deteriorating health. At 66 years old, he is a physically handicapped individual with 54% permanent disability in his lower limb. He also suffers from multiple ailments, including diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia.
Khokhar urged the Supreme Court to consider his health conditions and senior citizenship as grounds for suspension of his sentence.
Read Also: Breaking Bad & Narcos Cited By Supreme Court To Deny Bail To Drugs Case Accused
The Supreme Court directed the CBI to file its response to Khokhar’s plea. The case will examine the validity of the jail authorities’ reasons for rejecting his furlough and evaluate whether his sentence could be suspended on humanitarian grounds.
The 1984 anti-Sikh riots were one of India’s darkest chapters, erupting after the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Thousands of Sikhs were killed, and the events remain a sensitive and contentious issue.
The Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing to a later date, with the CBI’s reply expected to clarify its position on the furlough application and suspension plea. The case remains a critical test of balancing justice for the victims of the riots and addressing humanitarian concerns for aging convicts.
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE