The Punjab government has strongly opposed the jail transfer request of Jagtar Singh Hawara, convicted in the 1995 assassination of ex-Punjab CM Beant Singh, citing security risks. The Supreme Court, hearing the plea, has sought a response from Chandigarh and Tihar Jail. Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves argued for Hawara, highlighting his good conduct and the political unrest of 1984 that influenced his actions. The case will be heard again on March 18.
![[Ex-Punjab CM Beant Singh Assassination] "Additional 4 Weeks Granted": SC Directs Centre to Decide on Balwant Singh Rajoana's Mercy Plea](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-39.png?resize=300%2C150&ssl=1)
Today, On 25th November, the Supreme Court extended by four weeks the government’s deadline to decide on Balwant Singh Rajoana’s mercy plea, tied to his death sentence for assassinating former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh. The case raises significant legal and political issues related to clemency, justice, and national security concerns over pro-Khalistan sentiment.
Today, On 18th November, the Supreme Court directed the President’s secretary to present Balwant Singh Rajoana’s mercy petition to President Droupadi Murmu within two weeks. Rajoana, sentenced to death for the 1995 assassination of Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, seeks commutation of his sentence. The case highlights ongoing debates about the death penalty in India.
The Supreme Court Today (Nov 4th) adjourned the hearing in a Writ Petition filed by Balwant Singh Rajoana, convicted for the 1995 assassination of Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, seeking to commute his death sentence to life imprisonment. Rajoana, who has been on death row for over 17 years and in jail for 28, argues that an “inordinate delay” in the decision on his mercy petition has subjected him to prolonged mental trauma and uncertainty, making his death sentence untenable. The Bench of Justice BR Gavai, Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra, and Justice KV Viswanathan sought the Punjab Government’s response in the writ petition and adjourned the matter for hearing on November 18.
The Supreme Court today asked the CBI for a response on a plea for furlough by former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar, serving life imprisonment in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. The bench hinted at possibly directing the relevant authority to address the issue, scheduling the next hearing for April. The case is linked to a tragic chapter in India’s history, involving the brutal killing of Sikhs after the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
The 1984 anti-Sikh riots, triggered by Indira Gandhi’s assassination, are under scrutiny in a case involving Congress leader Kamal Nath. The Delhi High Court has granted the Special Investigation Team (SIT) more time to prepare a report. The case aims to address Nath’s alleged involvement in the violence targeting the Sikh community and seeks justice for the victims.