Court Hears Final Arguments in Sajjan Kumar’s Anti-Sikh Riots Case
In New Delhi, the Rouse Avenue court has concluded the final arguments in a case against former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The case involves the deaths of Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh in Saraswati Vihar on November 1, 1984. Senior advocate H S Phoolka, representing the victims, argued that police investigations were manipulated to protect the accused, and emphasized the extraordinary nature of the riots, describing them as part of a larger genocide against Sikhs.
Special Judge Kaveri Baweja has scheduled the matter for clarification on November 8, asking the defense to submit relevant judgments. The CBI and defense have completed their arguments. Phoolka referenced a Delhi High Court judgment that labeled the riots as ‘crimes against humanity’ and highlighted the targeting of minorities. He also mentioned the Supreme Court’s involvement and the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to address delays.
Advocates Anil Kumar Sharma, S A Hashmi, and Anuj Sharma represented Sajjan Kumar, who denied all charges. Initially, an FIR was filed at Punjabi Bagh police station, later investigated by the SIT, which filed a charge sheet. The SIT accused Kumar of leading a mob that committed murder, arson, and looting. Witnesses were traced, and their statements recorded, including a complainant who recounted the violence and identified Kumar from a magazine photo.
Doubts Revealed
Sajjan Kumar -: Sajjan Kumar is a former Member of Parliament (MP) from the Congress party in India. He is accused of being involved in the anti-Sikh riots that happened in 1984.
Anti-Sikh Riots -: The anti-Sikh riots were a series of violent attacks against Sikhs in India, especially in Delhi, in 1984. These riots happened after the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards.
Rouse Avenue court -: Rouse Avenue court is a court complex in New Delhi, India. It handles various legal cases, including high-profile ones like the anti-Sikh riots case.
Genocide -: Genocide is a term used to describe the deliberate killing of a large group of people, especially those of a particular ethnic group or nation. In this context, it refers to the claim that the anti-Sikh riots were part of a larger plan to harm Sikhs.
Senior advocate H S Phoolka -: H S Phoolka is a well-known lawyer in India who has been fighting for justice for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. He argues that the investigations were not done properly.
Clarification -: In legal terms, clarification means the court will discuss and make clear any remaining questions or issues in the case. This is scheduled to happen on November 8 in this case.
Arson -: Arson is the criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property. In this case, Sajjan Kumar is accused of leading a mob that committed arson during the riots.