1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Case: Court Proceedings
Background
In 1984, during the anti-Sikh riots, Badal Singh, a ragi at Gurudwara Pul Bangash, was killed by a mob. His widow, Lakhvinder Kaur, is a key witness in the case against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler, who is accused of inciting the violence.
Recent Court Proceedings
The Rouse Avenue court recently concluded the cross-examination of Lakhvinder Kaur. During the hearing, her testimony was challenged by the defense, led by advocate Anil Kumar Sharma, who argued that her statements were based on hearsay from Granthi Surender Singh, who was allegedly not in India at the time she claimed to have met him.
Witness Testimony
Lakhvinder Kaur testified that Surender Singh had informed her about the events leading to her husband’s death, including Tytler’s alleged incitement of the mob. She stated that Singh told her Tytler was encouraging the rioters to attack Sikhs and set the Gurudwara on fire.
Defense Arguments
The defense argued that Lakhvinder’s testimony was unreliable, as Surender Singh was reportedly in the USA during the time she claimed to have met him. They also contended that her statements were hearsay and not admissible as evidence.
Next Steps
The court has summoned another witness, Manmohan Kaur, whose father was also killed in the riots, to provide further evidence. The admissibility of Lakhvinder’s testimony will be considered after all evidence is presented.
Doubts Revealed
1984 Anti-Sikh Riots -: The 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots were a series of violent attacks against Sikhs in India, following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards. Many Sikhs were killed, and it was a very sad time in Indian history.
Jagdish Tytler -: Jagdish Tytler is a politician from the Indian National Congress party. He has been accused of being involved in the 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots, where he allegedly incited violence against Sikhs.
Rouse Avenue court -: Rouse Avenue court is a special court in Delhi, India, where cases related to corruption and other important matters are heard. It is named after the road it is located on.
Cross-examination -: Cross-examination is a process in a court where a witness is asked questions by the lawyer of the opposing side. This is done to check the truthfulness and reliability of the witness’s statements.
Granthi -: A Granthi is a person who reads and explains the Guru Granth Sahib, which is the holy scripture of the Sikhs. They often lead prayers and ceremonies in a Gurdwara, which is a Sikh place of worship.
Admissibility -: Admissibility refers to whether certain evidence or statements can be used in court. The judge decides if the evidence is relevant and reliable enough to be considered in the case.
